Joseph Parker pulled off a big upset, defeating Deontay Wilder by unanimous decision and seemingly ruining plans for the potential Wilder-Anthony Joshua fight.
The Kiwi dominated every round against Wilder, who was unable to land with his trademark huge shot through 36 minutes. The judges scored the fight unanimously on the Day of Reckoning event in Saudi Arabia, which also included a knockout victory for Daniel Dubois over Jarrell Miller.
As a 4/1 underdog walking to the ring, Parker impressed the boxing world with his considered and disciplined showing.
Shawn Porter
Sergio predicted the right hand because he understands the ABC of boxing. That was elementary. Wilder skip kindergarten and clearly in over a year out of the ring he never went back!!
— ShowtimeShawn Porter (@ShowtimeShawnP) December 23, 2023
Francis Ngannou
Licking my lips after watching this fight ππ½οΈ @RiyadhSeason#BattleOfTheBaddest
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) December 23, 2023
Frank Warren
πππ @joeboxerparker has put himself straight back at the top of the Heavyweight picture!
Who would you like to see Parker in with next? #DayOfReckoning
— Frank Warren (@FrankWarren) December 23, 2023
Joe Joyce
Congratulations @dynamitedubois@joeboxerparker on your wins. Maybe you fight each other and the winner gets a rematch! π
— Joe Joyce (@JoeJoyceBoxing) December 23, 2023
Barry McGuigan
Parker is a clear winner. Wilder knows heβs lost but pretending heβs won ππ
Wilder has lost everything balance coordination and punching power. #Shocking— Barry McGuigan (@ClonesCyclone) December 23, 2023
Sergio Mora
Joseph Parker just brilliantly disarmed βThe Bronze BOMBER!!!!!β π«π£ #WilderParker
— Sergio Mora π (@TheLatinSnake_) December 23, 2023
Dave Coldwell
When a fight is hot.
Make the fucking fight!
Fighters and promoters stop trying to bump up the price, stop trying to make it even bigger – if itβs a good fight do the rematch and that will be bigger.AJ v Wilder Another huge fight we never got to see.
— Dave Coldwell (@davidcoldwell) December 23, 2023
Jamel Herring
Man who the hell thought it was a good idea to try turn Wilder into the Brown Bomber? I can still see a big punch landing, but he has to set it up.#DayOfReckoning
— Jamel Herring (@JamelHerring) December 23, 2023
Dan Rafael
Parker 12-0. Total domination. Wilder did basically nothing and actually raised his hand at the bell. LOL. Please. 120-108 and Parker landed some terrific shots. #boxing#DayOfReckoning#boxing
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) December 23, 2023
Jack Massey
Shall I move back up π€£ Bit more prep pump some iron π#parkerwilder
— Jack Massey Boxing (@jackmasseyboxer) December 23, 2023
Spike O’Sullivan
Wilder dancing away before the decision thinking of his bank balance π€‘ #fraud#WilderParker#DayOfReckoning
— Gary Spike OSullivan (@spike_osullivan) December 23, 2023