Wilder vs Parker Fight Recap

Former world titlist Deontay WIlder returned to the ring on Saturday to take on Joseph Parker, a fellow former world titlist, in a scheduled 12 round affair. The winner of the Saudi hosted throwdown would have a bright future ahead. The loser? Perhaps the sunset of a career. Wilder, 42-2-1 looked far taller than the 33-3 Parker in the opening moments of the fight. For the most part, however, the first round consisted of each man feeling the other out. Parker tried getting in on his man in the second, while Wilder – perhaps the hardest hitter in boxing history – patiently waited for a chance to unload.

The third round saw the fighters sizing each other up, leading to occasional bursts of action. However, it was in the fourth round that things became more eventful. Parker came in strong, throwing hard punches. As the fight reached the fifth round, it became clear that Wilder was unable to unleash his power on his opponent. By the halfway mark, "The Bronze Bomber" was likely behind on points. In the sixth round, Wilder threw a single devastating punch, raising questions about whether he was planning to increase his aggression.

The seventh round saw both fighters trading punches, with neither man being hurt but the intensity of the fight rising. In the eighth round, Parker landed a powerful right that hurt Wilder. Seizing the opportunity, Parker went all out, relentlessly attacking Wilder. Although the American managed to survive the round, underdog Parker proved that he not only had the potential to win but also to possibly secure a knockout victory. To his credit, Wilder attempted to unleash his powerful shot in the ninth round, albeit sparingly. However, in the tenth round, it was evident that Wilder was hesitant to engage.

In the eleventh round, Parker repeatedly connected with overhand rights, causing Wilder to hesitate whenever he tried to move in. It wasn't until the twelfth and final round that Wilder returned to his usual style of fighting. However, Parker was prepared to face the challenge, and Wilder's power was not enough to save him. Consequently, the judges awarded Parker the victory.

A complete and shocking upset.