Deontay Wilder couldn't hold up his end of the deal.
Wilder shared the ring with Joseph Parker in the co-featured bout of a major year-end boxing card inside The Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia. Fans were eagerly anticipating Wilder vs. Parker, as the result would carry major implications. A two-bout agreement for Wilder to take on Anthony Joshua hung in the balance.
A win for "The Bronze Bomber" would've meant fight fans were getting one step closer to seeing Wilder vs. Joshua.
It wasn't meant to be.
Parker kept himself at the center of the ring as Wilder circled around, waiting for his shot. Parker looked to stay out of range given Wilder's punching power. Parker threw out a right, but this was very much a feeling out opening round.
A right hook from Parker missed early in the second stanza. He moved in close enough to where Wilder could've get his right hand off, and Parker landed two punches to the body. Wilder landed a left hand. Not much happening in round two, but you sensed things could change in an instant.
A right hand from Wilder missed in round three. A couple of jabs were there for Wilder. Both fighters continued to show patience. Parker moved with with a couple of punches, but Wilder looked for the uppercut inside. A solid jab from Parker backed Wilder to the ropes momentarily.
Round four began and Wilder went for an explosive hook, but Parker ducked. Parker landed a punch and Wilder fired back. Parker wasn't afraid to go head hunting briefly, and had his opponent against the ropes. Wilder continued to have trouble connecting with his right hand, as Parker moved in with a one-two. Great round for Parker here.
Parker continued to be aggressive, and he tied his opponent up early in round five. Up to this point, Parker's controlled aggression seemed to be winning him the fight on the scorecards. Parker continued to gain confidence swinging leather, as Wilder missed. Another round was in the books for Parker, but the threat of Wilder's power loomed.
Round six began and Wilder moved backwards while throwing out the left hand. Parker was constantly moving forward. Wilder moved forward with two power punches as Parker was against the ropes. Parker almost connected with an overhand right.
Wilder didn't really show explosiveness in round seven until later on. A right hand landed for Parker. Wilder was letting his hands go more, but missing.
Wilder landed a punch as Parker moved in. A right hand landed for Parker, and Wilder returned fire with a big right hand that was partially blocked. A massive right hand landed for Parker. He laid down heavy leather with Wilder backed to the corner.
Wilder threw a hard hook that was blocked in round 10. He continued giving Parker very little reason to take his foot off the gas.
Wilder swung wild in round 12 knowing the fight was at stake. A humongous right hand from Wilder whiffed. An uppercut was there from Wilder. Parker was wise to hold on for long periods of time. Wilder could not find his KO punch.
This was a clear unanimous decision for Joseph Parker.
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