Deontay Wilder, the former heavyweight champion, suffered his third career loss in a thrilling bout against Joseph Parker. The highly anticipated match took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and left fans on the edge of their seats until the final bell.
Wilder, known for his devastating knockout power, entered the ring with confidence and determination. However, Parker proved to be a formidable opponent, displaying exceptional speed and agility throughout the fight. Both fighters showcased their skills and resilience as they exchanged powerful blows.
Parker's strategy was a wise one: to avoid Wilder's dangerous right hand while forcing him to respect his foe's power. Parker (34-3, 23 KOs) timed Wilder early and often with looping right hands over the top.
The game plan seemingly made Wilder reluctant to unload his trademark reckless right hand that always finds its mark. But at 38 years old and with only one round of activity since November 2021, the American fighter admitted his "timing was off a little bit."
Wallin (26-2, 14 KOs) who previously gave Tyson Fury a tough fight in 2019 but lost a unanimous decision, suffered the second loss of his career.
In the co-main event, Parker pulled off a shocking upset victory over Wilder. Parker, who like Wilder is a former heavyweight champion, won by unanimous decision.
With the win Parker (34-3, 23 KOs), the former WBO title holder, has now won four consecutive bouts. Wilder (43-3-1, 42 KOs), the former WBC titleholder, was competing for the first time since October 2022.
Also on the card, Dmitry Bivol successfully defended his WBA light heavyweight title against Lyndon Arthur picking up a unanimous decision win, and Daniel Dubois beat Jarrell Miller via 10th-round TKO to get back in the win column.
Here's Mike Coppinger and Nick Parkinson's takes on all the action at 'Day of Reckoning'.
There was an agreement in place prior to Saturday between Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua, stipulating that the two will match up with one another in March, per an ESPN report. The only conditions were that Wilder had to beat Parker, Joshua must defeat Otto Wallin on the same card in Saudi Arabia, and the two fighters must leave their respective bouts uninjured.
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