Deontay Wilder’s comeback took an unexpected turn when Joseph Parker secured a surprising victory. The New Zealand heavyweight defeated Wilder by unanimous decision, shattering the American’s hopes for a swift ascent back to the top of the ranks.
Wilder, often called ‘The Bronze Bomber,’ entered the fight with a formidable reputation. He had maintained an unblemished record across 43 matches, holding the WBC World Heavyweight title for five continuous years. His power in the ring was renowned, with 42 of his 43 wins achieved through knockouts, leaving only one opponent to endure until the final bell.
However, the landscape shifted following his trilogy with Tyson Fury. The first encounter concluded in a draw, but Fury emerged victorious in their subsequent two matches by knockout, stripping Wilder of his title. Wilder made attempts to recover by stopping Robert Helenius in the first round, only to face Joseph Parker next.
Joseph Parker defied expectations with an impressive upset. He effectively neutralized Wilder’s trademark right hand and even managed to destabilize the American at moments. The judges awarded Parker every round, clearly siding with his control throughout the bout.
Following the match, Parker discussed his tactical approach with Boxing News. He explained his initial cautiousness, attributing it to Wilder’s dangerous capabilities, saying:
"I was very cautious in the beginning of the fight, because of what Wilder presents and how dangerous he is as a fighter – he can finish you off just like that in the blink of an eye. I was picking my moments, picking my shots. As the rounds progressed, I was gaining more confidence in what I was doing."
Parker also recognized Wilder’s powerful punch, sharing insights on his preparation:
"Practice, practice, practice. Work, work, work. Listen, I had to be aware of it at all times. He did catch me a few times on the guard and, I’ll tell you this, it’s a very hard right hand. If it landed clean it would’ve been different, but today’s my day."
Things worsened for Wilder in his subsequent bout. He faced Zhilei Zhang, who knocked him out in five rounds, marking another defeat on his record.
Despite these challenges, Wilder, now aged 39, is determined to continue his boxing career. He has expressed interest in facing Francis Ngannou, the former UFC champion who recently succumbed to Anthony Joshua after a competitive debut boxing match with Tyson Fury.
