Joseph Parker Stuns Deontay Wilder: Unanimous Decision Upset in Riyadh

New Zealand’s Joseph Parker delivered a masterful performance to secure a unanimous decision victory over fellow former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder after 12 intense rounds.

Both Parker and Wilder, former WBO and WBC heavyweight belt holders, respectively, entered the bout with high expectations. Wilder, known for his formidable punching power, was looking to set up a showdown with Anthony Joshua, but Parker had other plans.

The judges’ scorecards reflected Parker‘s dominance, with scores of 118-111, 118-110, and 120-108, sealing the upset win for the New Zealander.

Despite being one of the most fearsome punchers in the sport, Wilder displayed unusual patience throughout much of the contest. This marked his first bout of the year, having only seen one round of action in 2022 when he knocked out Robert Helenius. The 38-year-old seemed cautious about potential ring rust.

The early rounds saw Parker assert control with calculated combinations, testing Wilder‘s defensive stance. The fourth round witnessed a burst of action, with both fighters engaging in exchanges that showcased Parker‘s precision.

In the sixth round, Parker landed a significant right over Wilder‘s guard, signaling a shift in momentum. Wilder attempted to rally in the eighth round but found himself momentarily in trouble as Parker unleashed a ferocious attack.

As the fight progressed, Parker continued to showcase his skills, landing well-timed combinations and exploiting openings in Wilder‘s defense. The tenth round saw Parker maintaining control, setting up solid rights, and effectively countering Wilder‘s limited offensive output.

In the final round, Wilder, recognizing the urgency, unleashed a desperate assault. However, Parker skillfully navigated through the onslaught, clinching when necessary and delivering counters to secure the victory.

The unanimous decision marked a memorable upset for Joseph Parker, signaling a significant twist in the heavyweight landscape and reshaping the anticipated matchups in the division.