24 Dec 2023

Live updates: Day of Reckoning event in Saudi Arabia

12:37 pm on 24 December 2023
Joseph Parker during the WBC International & WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight title fight against Deontay Wilder during the Day of Reckoning: Fight Night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Joseph Parker during the WBC International & WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight title fight against Deontay Wilder during the Day of Reckoning: Fight Night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Getty Images / Richard Pelham

Joseph Parker has beaten American Deontay Wilder by unanimous decision in Saudi Arabia this morning, in a major upset in the heavyweight division.

In arguably the biggest win of Parker's career, the Kiwi boxer dominated Wilder throughout the bout to take the win 118-111, 118-110, and 120-108.

After the match, Parker said he had trained very hard for this moment, paying tribute to the Tyson Fury camp, who got him prepared for the fight.

"Strategy was to be really fit, stay calm, stay relaxed.

"Merry Christmas to us!"

He said inactivity may have played a big part for Wilder, but for him it was a great finish to the year.

READ MORE:

* 'I'm back', roars Joe Parker as he dominates favourite Wilder

Earlier today Kiwi Junior Fa was beaten in a technical knockout by Cuban Frank Sanchez as part of a stacked card in the Day of Reckoning event.

In the other main event Anthony Joshua will face Otto Wallin.

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