In a stunning upset that has sent shockwaves through the heavyweight division, Joseph Parker produced the performance of his career to comprehensively outpoint former WBC champion Deontay Wilder on the Fury vs Usyk undercard in Riyadh.
Dominant Display From First Bell
The New Zealand fighter executed a near-perfect gameplan from the opening round, consistently closing the distance and negating Wilder's legendary power. Parker's relentless work rate and precision punching kept the American bomber on the back foot throughout the contest.
"I knew I had to be smart and disciplined for every second of this fight," Parker revealed post-match. "We worked tirelessly on avoiding that right hand and implementing constant pressure. Tonight, everything came together perfectly."
Wilder's Power Neutralised
In what many considered the most dangerous assignment in boxing, Parker made the seemingly impossible look routine. Wilder, known for his devastating knockout power that had ended 42 of his previous 43 professional victories, struggled to find his range and timing against the mobile Kiwi.
The statistics told a brutal story: Parker landed nearly triple the punches of his opponent, with Wilder managing only sporadic success despite his desperate search for a fight-ending blow.
Heavyweight Landscape Transformed
This seismic result completely reshapes the heavyweight hierarchy. Parker, now riding a four-fight winning streak, has positioned himself for another world title opportunity, while Wilder's future at the elite level faces serious questions.
The upset also casts an intriguing shadow over the highly anticipated undisputed clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, proving that in the heavyweight division, nothing can be taken for granted.
With this career-defining victory, Joseph Parker has not only resurrected his championship aspirations but has delivered one of the most memorable upsets in recent boxing history.
