‘This is God’s Plan’ – Total Domination at ‘Day of Reckoning’

RIYADH, Dec. 24 – Big Fight Weekend continues its coverage at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena in the bouts leading up to the main event. Check out our recaps of Daniel Dubois‘ stoppage over Jarrell Miller and Dmitry Bivol‘s successful title defence. “Day of Reckoning” is part of Riyadh Season, a state-funded entertainment and sports festival. Viewers can catch all the action on DAZN as a PPV, while those in the UK and Ireland can also purchase it on TNT Sports Box Office. ESPN+ will also have the event as a PPV for those in the United States. It’s time for us to recap Deontay Wilder vs. Joseph Parker.

Joseph Parker Outboxes Deontay Wilder

Total Domination at ‘Day of Reckoning’

In a 12-round heavyweight contest lacking action, Joseph Parker (34-3, 23 KOs) won a unanimous decision over Deontay Wilder (43-3-1, 42 KOs). Scores were 120-108, 118-111 and 118-110.

Wilder spent the first round circling around the ring while Parker pursued him. Very little was landed. This continued into the second round. Things livened up in the third and fourth by a bit, but clinching prevented both men from capitalizing on what they had landed.

Parker was arguably winning the early rounds on activity alone. The more impactful work was coming from the New Zealander. On the other hand, “The Bronze Bomber” continued to circle the ring but did not land or throw a lot.

The former heavyweight champions let their hands go towards the end of the eighth. A right hand from Parker sent Wilder into a corner, where both began swinging at each other. However, it was Parker’s punches that had a higher connect rate.

Despite a wild end to the eighth, the remainder of the bout was not much different to the earlier rounds. Wilder would constantly move around the ring with Parker in pursuit. In the final round, Wilder did attempt to land his famous right hand but was unsuccessful. Few punches were landed, but it was the former WBO champion who did the more impactful work, giving him the unanimous decision win, making this one of his most memorable wins.

Quotes

In the post-fight interview, Deontay Wilder said: “My timing was off a little bit.” Speaking on his opponent he said: “He did a great job, avoiding a lot of my punches.” 

When asked how he wanted to approach the rest of his career, “The Bronze Bomber” said: “Well see what happens.” He went on to speak about how he was happy with his career.

Joseph Parker couldn’t hide his delight in the ring: “Everyone had plans, other plans, but this is God’s plan.“

He went on to say: “This is massive.”

He also paid tribute to his opponent: “He’s the toughest opponent I have faced.” 

Parker went on to pay tribute to his team, and said: “Tyson Fury thanks for all your help.”

Check out our recap of the first four fights on the undercard of “Day of Reckoning,” which included a heavyweight upset.