![]() |
Joseph Parker throws a punch at Deontay Wilder during their boxing match, held early Sunday, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. |
Deontay Wilder has hinted that he could retire from professional boxing after his unanimous decision defeat by Joseph Parker, despite also claiming that he could 'have a little bit left'.
Although the loss was considered an upset, it was a
testament to Wilder’s long absence from the ring. Parker enjoyed a unanimous
points-decision win, the New Zealander triumphing 118-111, 118-110, 120-108 in
a dominant display.
“Everyone had other plans but this is God’s plan,” said
Parker, 31, who improved to 34-3 with 23 knockouts after sparring with Fury.
Renowned as a knockout artist, Wilder was involved in a trio
of dramatic bouts with current WBC champion Fury, drawing the first before
losing the next two.
Wilder’s long period of inactivity appeared to count against
the 38-year-old, with Parker — who lost the World Boxing Organisation title to
Joshua by a unanimous points decision in Cardiff five years ago — landing the
cleaner punches as well as producing several thumping roundhouse rights.
“Well done Joseph, he did a great job avoiding my punches,”
said Wilder, who fell to 43-3 with one draw and 42 knockouts. ” We move on to
the next thing…We make no excuses. We’ll be back for sure. We have a little bit
more left.”
But he added: “I’ve done a great job with managing my money
and investing. I’m a happy fighter. I’ll be back soon and if not, it’s been a
pleasure.”