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Parker calls out Joshua ‘genius’ video

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Anthony Joshua

Former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker has become the surprising king of boxing call-outs after posting an amusing video aimed at Anthony Joshua.

Parker, the current WBO interim champion, uploaded a parody music video to his social media channels on Wednesday with the caption, “Let’s build a LEGO ring for Parker v Joshua 2’ over Ed Sheeran’s Lego House song.

The video is a combination of montage footage from his first fight with Joshua – when AJ defeated Parker in a unified world title clash in March 2018 – and his recent bouts against Zhilei Zhang and Deontay Wilder, and Parker doing arts and crafts in his house while lip-synching the lyrics.

Parker, generally known to be a more quiet and reserved character, is even seen doing the iconic Napoleon Dynamite dance.

The video has received hundreds of comments on Instagram, with former world champion Darren Barker replying with “So good”, another user describing it as “genius”, and many replies with laughing face emojis.

The video comes just four days after Parker uploaded another funny call-out video aimed at another former rival, Dillian Whyte.

In the earlier video, captioned “I want you back for good Dillian Whyte,” Parker stars in another parody music video over Take That’s Back For Good. Like the Joshua video, it includes highlights from the New Zealander’s epic 12-round war against Whyte in July 2018, and features some of Parker’s friends as lip synching back-up singers.

That Whyte video has generated more than 2,600 comments – again from many figures within the boxing world, including Tyson Fury’s wife Paris, who wrote, “haha go Joe,” and Shane Mosley Jr, who posted, “Champ!! This is World class! He has to come back now!”

It demonstrates Parker’s remarkable revival that he can legitimately call out Joshua and Parker having lost to both fighters back-to-back six years ago.

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Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker to fight on Anthony Joshua-Francis Ngannou undercard as March date confirmed

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Anthony Joshua

Zhilei Zhang, while Parker vaulted himself back into contention by beating Deontay Wilder last month

Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker will fight for the interim WBO title on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s showdown with Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia.

A bout between Zhang and Deontay Wilder had previously been discussed, but the Chinese heavyweight contender will now take on Parker in Riyadh on Friday, March 8.

The New Zealander vaulted himself back into title contention with a dominant unanimous decision win over Wilder at the Kingdom Arena in December.

Joseph Parker

Former WBO heavyweight champion Parker now faces the interim title-holder Zhang, who is coming off back-to-back stoppage wins over Joe Joyce in April and September last year, and has amassed a 26-1-1 (21) record since turning professional in August 2014.

The first of those victories against British heavyweight Joyce saw Zhang, 40, claim the interim WBO title. The full version is currently held by Oleksandr Usyk, who faces Tyson Fury in a bout for undisputed status in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, February 17.

Anthony Joshua

Parker, meanwhile, fought four times in 2023 and notched up victories in all of those to put an 11th-round KO by Joyce in September 2022 behind him.

The 31-year-old’s record now stands at 34-3 (23) and his promoter, David Higgins, told Sky Sports last month he believes Parker has silenced the critics following that upset win over the hard-punching Wilder

For me, it was the best performance of Joseph’s career,” Higgins said.

“The reason I say that is because those massive, global, pay-per-view fights have a special pressure about them, the eyes of the world are upon you and against his opponent, a murderous puncher, one of the most feared in history, you can’t really describe what that pressure is like until you’ve been in that situation.

“A couple of times he came up short [in his career], but this time he maintained a cool head, was patient, showed intent, stuck to the fight plan, withstood the pressure. He didn’t just win but dominated Wilder.

“His doubters and the people writing him off, he’s certainly shut that crowd up. In New Zealand, the leading newspapers said he is back, and he’s got another run at a world title.”

 

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Anthony Joshua will view Joseph Parker as ‘high risk’ but he has ‘earned’ a rematch, says promoter David Higgins

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Joseph Parker

Joseph Parker could pursue a rematch with Anthony Joshua or a fight against unified world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk after the New Zealander produced a dominant points victory over Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia

Joseph Parker has ‘earned’ a rematch with Anthony Joshua, but the British star may avoid this ‘high risk’ fight, says the New Zealander’s promoter David Higgins.

Wilder, one of the most fearsome punchers in the sport, was expecting to set up a showdown with Joshua but instead Parker wrecked his plans with a unanimous decision win in Saudi Arabia last weekend.

Both Wilder and Parker were former heavyweight champions, Parker previously held the WBO belt and Wilder was a former WBC king until he lost the belt to Tyson Fury

“Joseph has earned that fight in my opinion and the Saudis would see merit in Parker against Anthony Joshua,” Parker’s promoter David Higgins told Sky Sports.

“It might not be next, there might be a bit more work to do but I think that’s the fight fans want to see. It’s a merit-based fight.

“In terms of opponents, Joseph will fight anyone and if you look at all the names on his resume from Derek Chisora twice, Joe Joyce, Joshua, Wilder, Dillian Whyte, the list goes on and he’s still only 31-years-old.

“We’ll fight Anthony Joshua in a heartbeat. Everyone knows Joseph will fight him next but I am not sure that’s an option. We’ll obviously look at any option and see what comes forward.

“I can’t speak for their [Anthony Joshua] team, but they are probably trying to rebuild to a point and have a big fight against the likes of Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk.”

Higgins added: “Maybe Joseph, especially after the way he handled his business with Wilder, is probably seen as high risk.”

Following his victory, Parker extended his thanks to Fury, who had shared the ring on three occasions with Wilder, and assisted with preparations.

“I think Tyson was very influential in creating the opportunity and helping Joseph by letting him use the gym, and I know they have done some sparring together as well,” Higgins said.

“You can’t get better sparring than Fury, the lineal heavyweight champion, it was very helpful.”

Higgins believes Parker produced a career-best win over Wilder and also praised trainer Andy Lee for devising the winning gameplan.

“For me, it was the best performance of Joseph’s career,” Higgins said.

“The reason I say that is because those massive, global, pay-per-view fights have a special pressure about them, the eyes of the world are upon you and against his opponent, a murderous puncher, one of the most feared in history, you can’t really describe what that pressure is like until you’ve been in that situation.

“A couple of times he came up short [in his career], but this time he maintained a cool head, was patient, showed intent, stuck to the fight plan, withstood the pressure. He didn’t just win but dominated Wilder.”

Parker has fought four times in this calendar year and his consistency has allowed him to gather momentum with Higgins hoping he can fight again in March.

“I think we’ll look at every option and Joseph wants to be busy and he’s looked at his best fighting regularly,” Higgins said.

“He’s got some momentum going so the intent is to continue. We don’t want to step backward to weaker opponents. We want to keep the level up and keep busy.

“If he can fight again in March, he’ll be grateful to everyone who has helped facilitate that.”

Parker would also welcome a future fight with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk, who defends his WBO, IBF and WBA belts against WBC champion Fury in an undisputed title fight in Saudi Arabia on February 17.

“If the fight came up, I’m sure Joseph would jump at the opportunity, it would be a great fight and yes I think he could win the fight.” Higgins said.

“He [Parker] is feeling satisfied with it all coming together, a complete performance under the highest pressure, he deserves to be proud.

“His doubters and the people writing him off, he’s certainly shut that crowd up. In New Zealand, the leading newspapers said he is back and he’s got another run at a world title.”

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Tim Bradley Slams ‘Terrible’ Deontay Wilder: “That Gameplan Was Trash”

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Deontay Wilder

Deontay Wilder’s confidence and comeback were snatched from him by a resurgent Joseph Parker, who beat the American over twelve rounds in Saudi Arabia.

Wilder looked a shadow of his former dangerous self, and was instead the one on the receiving end of the power punches. Parker won near every round, and even came close to a stoppage in the eighth.

Hall of Fame fighter Tim Bradley didn’t hold back in his assessment of his countryman. Speaking on Pro Box TV, he said the performance was ‘terrible.’

Bradley also took aim at Wilder’s former opponent and trainer, Malik Scott.

The 38-year-old has confirmed he will fight on, although who he’ll face remains to be seen.

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DEONTAY WILDER HOPEFUL OF ANTHONY JOSHUA SHOWDOWN DESPITE JOSEPH PARKER DEFEAT – ‘THE FIGHT STILL CAN GO ON’

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Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder

Deontay Wilder was on the receiving end of a stunning upset against Joseph Parker in the ‘Day of Reckoning’ co-main event in Riyadh on Saturday. The American has reflected more on his defeat, and stated his belief that Anthony Joshua was “happy” to see him lose to Joseph Parker, with Wilder insisting he and the Brit can still meet in the ring next year.

Deontay Wilder has reignited speculation that he could fight Anthony Joshua despite his shock ‘Day of Reckoning’ defeat to Joseph Parker.
Wilder was convincingly beaten by Parker by unanimous decision in Riyadh on Saturday, but insists that his highly-anticipated showdown with the Brit can still go ahead in the New Year.
Joshua and Wilder had – according to some reports – agreed to fight on March 9, providing they overcame their respective opponents – Otto Wallin and Parker.
But while Joshua put on an impressive performance to stop Wallin after five rounds, Wilder couldn’t keep his side of the bargain.
“They [Joshua and his camp] really don’t want that fight,” Wilder told 78SPORTSTV. “When I lost did you see how happy he was coming out? ‘Now I can escape.’
“I broke out laughing. I made him able to perform like that. He was like, ‘I ain’t gotta fight Wilder.’
“The rumour was he was talking about retiring if I won.
“March 9, the fight still can go on. But this is a perfect way for them to get out.”
The 38-year-old Wilder also claimed that ring rust played a role in his defeat to Parker.
His previous fight was back in October 2022 when he dispatched Robert Helenius but even that fight was over quickly, and the American believes that his lack of activity proved costly.
“My timing was off because of inactivity,” Wilder added. “I’m disappointed because I know I’m a way better fighter than him [Parker].
Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder
“I had such a great training camp, such great sparring, and when I got in the ring everything was off, my mind and my focus was off.
“I hurt him a few times, but certain shots I didn’t take. It was hesitation and I couldn’t understand why.”
In contrast to Wilder, Joshua was on a high after his victory and provided an ideal response to the pre-fight criticism thrown his way by the Bronze Bomber.
“I wasn’t watching. I just focused on myself,” Joshua said after his victory. “I know how important it was for me. I heard that Deontay lost. So what? He’ll be back.
“Deontay, everything that he said about me, I could rip him apart right now, but I’m going to take the higher ground.”
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LIVE VIDEO: JOSEPH PARKER PULLS OFF HUGE UPSET TO EARN CONVINCING DECISION WIN OVER DEONTAY WILDER IN RIYADH

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Deontay Wilder

Deontay Wilder blew his chance of a $50million pay day against Anthony Joshua after he fell to a points defeat by Joseph Parker.

Wilder and Joshua had agreed terms for a March 9 showdown back in Saudi Arabia – assuming they overcame Parker and Otto Wallin respectively on Saturday night. But Wilder failed to keep his end of the deal, losing almost every round to the Kiwi.

Wilder was fighting for just the second time since he was stopped by Tyson Fury in their trilogy fight in 2021 with his only other outing a devastating one-round KO of Robert Helenius 14 years ago.

Parker, meanwhile, was targeting a final run at another world title shot having won three fights in succession since losing to Joe Joyce last year and was returning to Riyadh just two months after stopping Simon Kean.

But barely a punch was landed in the opening session as the rivals stalked each other around the ring for three minutes. Wilder was more active in the second round but remained content to box on his back foot in search of a fight-ending blow.

Wilder was struggling to look fluid as he perhaps showed the effects of ring rust. And through four rounds Parker was growing in confidence as Wilder threw wild punches which never looked like connecting.

Parker could be confident of being ahead on the judges’ scorecards through five rounds as Wilder continued to be reluctant to let his hands go. And there was no change as the fight entered the second half as Wilder risked running out of time.

And it was Parker who almost stopped the fight in the eighth round, pinning Wilder to the ropes and unloading with the American barely surviving to hear the bell. Wilder failed to turn the tide as the fight reached the final round and Parker saw it through before being announced as the winner.

Earlier in the night, Daniel Dubois stopped Jarrell Miller with eight seconds left on the clock to put his heavyweight career back on track. Dubois was returning to the ring four months after he was stopped by Oleksandr Usyk in his maiden world title fight.

And he dominated Miller for large swathes of their slugfest before the Brit forced the referee to step in at the end of the 10th session. Also on the undercard, Dmitry Bivol retained his light-heavyweight world title by winning every round against an over-matched Lyndon Arthur.

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LIVE NOW: Joseph Parker Rocks, Shocks Deontay Wilder For Decision Win, Derails Joshua Fight

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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – In a heavyweight clash between former world champions, Joseph Parker (37-3, 23 KOs) pulled off a huge upset with a twelve round unanimous decision over Deontay Wilder (43-3-1, 42 KOs).

The scores were 118-111, 118-110 and 120-108.

Wilder was coming back after only having a single round of action since 2021. Parker, far more active, was taking part in his fourth fight of 2023.

The upset win by Parker has seemingly derailed planned fight between Wilder and Anthony Joshua for the first quarter of 2024.

The fight began with Wilder circling the ring as Parker was holding the center. It was a very cautious start by both with very little being thrown. Parker connected with a right hand that Wilder took well. In the second, more of the same with Parke pressing and Wilder circling around and looking for a counter.  In the third, Parker was starting to take more changes with Wilder starting to get more active with his hands when Parker would enter inside. A hard jab pushed Wilder back.

The fourth saw them exchange big right hands. Parker was starting to force exchanges and gaining confidence to press forward. In the fifth, Parker continued to be the aggressor and was taking the fight to Wilder, who wasn’t throwing that much. The sixth was closer, with Parker still pressing forward and doing most of the work. Wilder was starting to get more active with his hands.

Deontay Wilder

In the seventh, Wilder finally connected with a big right that Parker took well. But a moment later Parker connected with big right that caused Wilder to stumble back. The eight began with Parker jabbing to the body to get inside. Some solid exchanges where Wilder landed solid shots that Parker took well and continued to come. Parker rocked Wilder badly with a big right. He then unloaded on Wilder with numerous punches and had the puncher rocked bad. Wilder weathered the storm as the bell rang.

The ninth had Parker pushing the pace and doing most of the work, with Wilder not doing much of anything. In the tenth, Wilder began to let his hands go and was trying to get himself back in the fight. There wasn’t much by either man until the end where Parker landed a right hand.

During the eleventh, both were shooting the jab in spots. The jab of Parker was moving Wilder at times. A three punch combination pushed Wilder back. In the twelfth and final round, they began the fight by exchanging punches. Wilder was going after Parker and letting his hands go. Parker was holding to kill the clock and staying away from Wilder’s power. Parker landed a solid right that Wilder took well and then Parker landed another.

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