RIAD.- The New Zealander Joseph Parker defeated the former American heavyweight champion on points on Saturday Deontay Wilderin a unanimous decision of the judges in Saudi Arabia.
Parker’s dominance was reflected in the three judges giving him the victory with scores of 118-111, 118-110, 120-108in a fight that did not decide the title.
His victory could have ruined an expected clash between Wilder and another former world heavyweight champion, the British Anthony Joshuawho faced the Swede Otto Wallin in the main event of the evening in Riyadh.
Parker, who held the title of the World Boxing Organization (WBO), looked very strong and skilled when overcoming Wilder, in the first fight in more than two years for the former champion of the World Boxing Council (WBC).
Recognized for his strong punching, Wilder starred in three dramatic fights with the current WBC champion, Tyson Furywith a tie in the first and two defeats.
The long period of inactivity seemed to affect the 38-year-old “Bronze Bomber”, and his rival Parker landed clearer blows and several forceful right hands.
The American recovered briefly in the eighth roundbut it didn’t reach him until the bell because Parker, 31, responded with several shocking blows, for a complete victory.
Saudi Arabia left uncertainty:
The defeat also left Wilder’s future as a professional boxer in the air.. The veteran has established himself as one of the most recognized and admired gladiators in the ring in recent years.
His archrival, Fury, is also not going through his best moment, after several weeks ago he faced the Cameroonian Francis Ngannou, a mixed martial arts fighter who was making his professional boxing debut. Although he won by decision, the Briton was knocked down by the African rookie on one occasion.
Source: With information from AFP
