‘It’s Something That’s God-Given’ – Deontay Wilder vs. Joseph Parker Preview

RIYADH, Dec. 22 – A lot is on the line when two former heavyweight champions clash in the ring on Saturday night.

Deontay Wilder (43-2-1, 42 KOs) takes on Joseph Parker (33-3, 23 KOs) in a 12-round bout that will be part of the December 23 historic fight card at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This marks the second boxing event of this year’s Riyadh Season, a state-funded entertainment and sports festival. The first saw Tyson Fury barely make it past Francis Ngannou.

Viewers can catch 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.

Before the two men clash in the ring – Big Fight Weekend was there as both fighters spoke at the “Day of Reckoning” press conference. We also provide our thoughts on the matchup and who we see coming out on top.

Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker Looking for the Win

How to Watch ‘Day of Reckoning’

1. Select a VPN service that is optimized for streaming. We recommend PIA VPN.
2. Download the VPN and connect to the server from more than 80 countries
3. Log in to a boxing streaming service.
4. Stream it no matter where you are!

Deontay Wilder on His Power

“I’m definitely coming to do what I do best,” said former heavyweight champion Wilder. “It’s [power] something that’s God-given. It’s something that I don’t have to pressure myself to do.”

Joseph Parker Reflects on Training

“I’m here and I’m ready,” said former heavyweight champion Parker. “I’ve had a great camp. We’re going into this fight [with] a good gameplan, great strategy. Respect to Wilder but I’m here to do a job and I’m here to win.”

Hear Dan Rafael and T.J. Rives discuss “Day of Reckoning” and more on the newest Big Fight Weekend preview podcast below.

Fight Prediction

While Parker remains a top-ten heavyweight, the power of Wilder’s right-hand remains undeniable. The New Zealander may be able to avoid it for large parts of the fight, but at some point, “The Bronze Bomber” will land. Like everyone else before him (excluding Tyson Fury), Parker will get hit and just not be able to get up.

One could see Parker outboxing Wilder for large portions of the fight, somewhat similar to what Luis Ortiz did in his rematch with the Tuscaloosa native. Sometime in the middle rounds, we see Wilder landing a clean right hand that will see him emerge victorious.