SUMMARY
- Deontay Wilder will fight against Joseph Parker in the co-main event on December 23.
- Previously, the American boxer returned to winning ways with a devastating KO over Robert Helenius.
We are only hours away from witnessing yet another show of heavyweight greatness. Following its success earlier this season, the Riyadh season continues with the ‘Day of Reckoning’. After a promising night of some top-tier action, let’s take a more in-depth look at the co-main event of the evening, Deontay Wilder vs. Joseph Parker.
For those unaware, Wilder makes his much-awaited return to the square ring against Parker. Previously, the American boxer returned to winning ways with a devastating KO over Robert Helenius. Having suffered two back-to-back losses to Tyson Fury in 2020 and 2021, the 38-year-old is showing signs of his younger, dominant self.
𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐊𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆: 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝐎𝐍 𝐃𝐀𝐙𝐍
DAZN will be broadcasting the biggest boxing event of the year, WORLDWIDE
Watch @anthonyjoshua, @BronzeBomber, and many more on DAZN PPV, December 23 🔥#DayOfReckoning | #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/b6xZHDc3Ss
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) November 24, 2023
As for Joseph Parker, he has been on a winning streak since the start of the year. In 2023, Parker has beaten the likes of Jack Massey, Faiga Opelu, and Simon Kean. Thus, the Kiwi fighter is coming into this one in red-hot form and hoping to close out the year with one more victory. Since his loss to Joe Joyce last year, Parker looks like a man reborn.
Prior to that loss, Parker was still on a run, besting the likes of Derek Chisora (x2) and Junior Fa. Although some may feel that he carefully picks and chooses his fights, there is no doubt that the 31-year-old has earned his stripes. However, taking on a man like Wilder will prove to be a significant step up in competition for Parker. On the other hand, the fight is a must-win for the Alabama native.
Deontay Wilder vs. Joseph Parker stats
Stats | Deontay Wilder | Joseph Parker |
Wins | 43 | 33 |
Losses | 2 | 3 |
Height | 6 ft 7 in | 6 ft 4 in |
Division | Heavyweight | Heavyweight |
Weight | 215 lbs | 240 lbs |
Age | 38 | 31 |
Net Worth | $50 million | $5 million |
Wilder vs. Parker: Fight breakdown and prediction
For the most part, Deontay Wilder is seen as the majority favorite for this one. Despite his losses to The Gypsy King and his age, many have emphasized that he still has what it takes to be at the top. Moreover, as many often point out, power is the last thing to go, and luckily for Wilder, he has power to spare.
However, at the same time, ‘The Bronze Bomber‘ faces arguably his toughest opponent outside of Fury. One of the more fundamentally sound boxers, Parker, possesses his own set of threats. Thus, it is expected that the fighter from New Zealand will dominate the technical aspect of the game and try to cut down the distance from Wilder.
The back and forth between these two 😳 @bronzebomber vs. @joeboxerparker
Watch the #DayOfReckoning globally on DAZN PPV on Saturday, December 23. Buy now at https://t.co/FoiaUucI53 #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/wxp392kR3A
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 21, 2023
On the other hand, Wilder and Co. will likely expect the more structured approach his opponent will bring. With a much more mobile and youthful target, there will be a lot to keep track of for the American boxer. With that said, he does possess the all-important one-shot KO power that he can impose at any given time.
All things considered, there is a possibility we may witness a life performance from Joseph Parker on the night. At the same time, his pacing and cardio will be key in the latter rounds, where he may become susceptible to Wilder’s power. Although the chances of an upset are slim, Parker has a puncher’s chance to put in an absolute masterclass.