Joseph Parker is optimistic that he can defeat former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder this Saturday night, December 23, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The primary attractions at this event are Anthony Joshua(26-3, 23KOs) and Wilder(43-2-1, 42 KOs) both of whom are predicted to win in order to build up a major mega fight in Saudi Arabia on March 9. By defeating Wilder and severely damaging what’s left of his career, Parker(33-3, 23KOs) would aim to ruin the plans for this match.
Parker’s matchup with Wilder is perfect because Wilder, 38, from Alabama has been mainly idle over the past few years, with the exception of a one-round knockout victory over his former sparring partner Robert Helenius in October of last year.
Given the money he’s accumulated from his three lucrative fights with Tyson Fury, it’s perhaps no surprise that Wilder hasn’t felt the need to stay busy. Parker, a 31-year old boxer from New Zealand has a chance to win if he can get the ring-rusty Wilder into the second half of their bout. Parker claims that former Tyson Fury opponent and Wilder conqueror has given him some straightforward advice to avoid getting knocked out in their twelve-round fight.
“I got good momentum, and I feel extremely confident going win this fight. It’s that simple [don’t get hit by Wilder’s right hand],” ,” said Joseph Parker in media reports.
“I asked Tyson [Fury] about what advice he could give me, and he said, ‘Stay away from the right hand and don’t get knocked out.’ It’s that simple, but it’s twelve rounds, and he’s dangerous for every round,” he added.
“So, I just need to be switched on, and I know I can be and I will be [heavier than Wilder]. Tyson is 6’9″ and has the long reach. What is he, 270 lbs? So, Tyson’s plan will be different from ours. I’ve got to use whatever I have to my advantage. I’ve got good speed, movement, and I’ve got good power myself. I’m going to use that to the best of my ability and performance very well,” he continued.
Parker is stronger than Fury, and if he can connect an uppercut, it would be devastating for Wilder.
