Joseph Parker shocked the world with a world-class performance against Deontay Wilder. Being an underdog, Parker impressed everybody as he won the bout via unanimous decision. This was his fourth bout of the year on Saturday night, a significant contrast to Deontay Wilder’s prolonged absence from the boxing scene as he had not stepped inside the ring for over a year.
Wilder’s last match, on October 15, 2022, resulted in a first-round knockout victory against Robert Helenius. However, he couldn’t repeat the same result. Even though Parker convincingly won the fight, Wilder still clung to some hope as he was seen celebrating after the bell. But as expected, the results were not in his favor. The entire boxing world was surprised by the performance of ‘Bronze Bomber’.
Deontay Wilder vs. Joseph Parker: synopsis of the bout
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In the contested bout between Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker, the fight unfolded over twelve intense rounds. From the initial circling and patience displayed in the first rounds to Parker’s well-timed jabs and Wilder’s attempts to adjust, the match showcased a tactical chess game between the two heavyweights. Parker’s dominance became evident, with calculated aggression, effective body jabs, and skillful defensive maneuvers.
As the rounds progressed, Parker’s confidence soared, marked by a clean sweep in the seventh. He even snapped Wilder’s head back with precise jabs and landed powerful right hands. In the crucial final rounds, Parker maintained his assertiveness, refusing to merely defend. Wilder, urged by his corner, unleashed a flurry, but Parker’s defensive prowess proved formidable.
As the clock ticked down in the last round, Parker strategically ducked, pushed, and clinched, preventing Wilder from staging a significant comeback. In the end, the judges’ unanimous decision reflected Parker’s overall control of the fight. However, a lot of big names in the sport expressed disappointment about Wilder’s performance.
Boxing aficionados react to the lackluster performance of Wilder
Immediately after the fight, many boxing pundits opened their X app and started typing their opinions about it. There are many recognizable names on the list.
Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya scored the fight unanimously in favor of Joseph Parker, even before the results were announced.
Parker 12-0
— Oscar De La Hoya (@OscarDeLaHoya) December 23, 2023
Former 2x Welterweight champion Shawn Porter stated a dilemma where he asked whether he should talk about the cons of Wilder or should he focus on the pros of Parker.
What y’all want me to explain?? What Parker is doing right?? or what Wilder is doing wrong??
— ShowtimeShawn Porter (@ShowtimeShawnP) December 23, 2023
WBO and IBF female super featherweight titlist Alycia Baumgardner stated that Wilder looked a bit lousy in the fight. Even called his stance a bit “cringy”.
Wilder is just awkward.. lil cringy but aye it works for him.
— Alycia Baumgardner (@alyciambaum) December 23, 2023
The former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew commended Parker for his remarkable victory. Moreover, he even praised his boxing coaches Joe and Andy Lee.
That’s a shutout win for Parker imo! Never seen that coming! Well done Joe & Andy Lee! 👏👏 the tactics where spot on! 👏👏
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) December 23, 2023
Matchroom Boxing CEO Eddie Hearn shut down all the fight opportunities of Deontay Wilder fighting against Anthony Joshua. Especially, after witnessing such a performance from him.
Eddie Hearn on Joseph Parker beating Deontay Wilder: "I said in the build-up I don't rate him. Wilder had no idea, no clue. He lost 120-108, lost every round, and he's there at the end putting his hand up saying he's won the fight. He's not right. That's the reality. It was the…
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) December 23, 2023
The unified featherweight champion Amanda Serrano remarked that Wilder displayed a bad performance in this bout. Moreover, she also mentioned how she didn’t even score a single round in his favor.
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HORRIBLE performance by Wilder. I gave him NOT a single round.
— Amanda Serrano (@Serranosisters) December 23, 2023
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So, there was not one boxing professional who was trying to defend the performance of Wilder. Since, in all of his previous fights, he’s raised the bar too high and this wasn’t the performance everybody expected from him. He’s known to push around his opponents, however the opposite happened tonight. What are your thoughts about this? Let us know in the comments section.
Watch This Story: Deontay Wilder branded as ‘Sore Loser’
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