Anthony Joshua unanimously outpointed a tenacious Joseph Parker at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff. Scorecards came in at 118-110 and 119-109 (twice), allowing Joshua to notch title defense number five, retaining his IBF and WBA Heavyweight titles, while adding Parker’s WBO strap to the pot.
Parker (24-1, 18 KO) deserves much praise, not just for going the distance with one of boxing’s most ferocious big men, but for quieting his doubters. Parker, who was largely expected to be blasted out in the first half, fought a commendably good, hard fight. No question about it.
The New Zealander showcased great conditioning, employed impressive movement and a sharp jab throughout, and often slipped out of range to negate Joshua’s attacks. When Parker had to trade heavy blows, he did just that, not allowing himself to be bullied.
Despite the victory, Joshua (21-0, 20 KO) will no doubt face some immediate criticism following his first pro fight bereft of a stunning knockout. It’s a harsh reality. But when expectations are so sky-high for a sell-out attraction like Joshua, it’s just…well, how things often are in boxing.
Sure, Joshua didn’t look sensational as he was made to work hard for the victory, trying to close down a slippery, mobile opponent. But Joshua, the man consistently coming forward and forcing the action, did clearly deserve to win the tense chess match. Boxing Base had the action at 116-112.
At the top of the undercard, Alexander Povetkin (34-1, 24 KO) demolished David Price with a chilling 5th round knockout. Price managed to rise from the deck in the 3rd, but couldn’t bounce back from a 5th round knockdown after eating a crunching left hook.
For what it’s worth, Price (22-5, 18 KO) did have his moments in the short-lived affair, buzzing his man a couple of times, with Povetkin staggering into the ropes from a left hook in the 3rd. The Russian bruiser now moves on to a big fight, most likely against Dillian Whyte (who, from ringside, vocally relished such a matchup).
In the bigger picture, it’s a given that Anthony Joshua remains on course to collide with Deontay Wilder, his equally formidable stateside rival who recently out-battled Luis Ortiz. Beating WBC titlist Wilder would make Joshua the undisputed Heavyweight kingpin, both in reality and in terms of belt collection.
But, since modern era boxing is renowned for starving its audience of mega fights, I’m not ready to start going nuts in anticipation until we see the green light. Both fighters – Joshua in particular – are bonafide cash cows, after all.
Naturally, the involved parties may decide to rake in more paydays from another stepping stone defense or two prior to delivering Joshua-Wilder. That or negotiations could simply break down between the pair.
Of course, I could be totally wrong about that. And, believe me, I truly hope I am. If the showdown doesn’t materialize, we could be looking at Joshua and Wilder taking on some other top – or rising – challengers next, even if most of them would ultimately seem like gap-fillers.
What did you think of Anthony Joshua’s performance tonight? Did Joseph Parker’s skillset surpise? And will boxing fans be swiftly delivered a Joshua-Wilder superfight straight away?
