Anthony Joshua defeated Joseph Parker on points in the unification title fight in Cardiff then immediately called out heavyweight rival Deontay Wilder.
Joshua added Parker’s WBO belt to the WBA Super, IBF and IBO titles he already held after extending his unbeaten record to 21-0. Following 12 rounds in the Welsh capital - the first time the British fighter had ever gone the distance in his professional career - Joshua was declared the winner by two judges 118-110 and 119-109 on the third scorecard.
While Joshua used his jab and longer reach to good effect, it was a gallant tactical effort from New Zealand’s Parker, who lost for the first time in his career.
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However, the major talking point from the bout was Italian referee Giuseppe Quartarone who “sent social media into meltdown”, The Sun reports, after breaking up the fight on too many occasions.
Joshua now has his sights set on America’s WBC champion Wilder for a shot at becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
After defeating Parker, Joshua said: “I wanted to stick behind the jab, it’s one of the best weapons. I made sure everything that came back, I was switched on. Twelve rounds baby, I thought it was hard right?!
“Forget the hype, Joseph Parker is a world champion. Sometimes this becomes a boxing match, not a fight. This was about boxing finesse. He stated it would be a war, but I controlled him behind the jab. I am the unified heavyweight champion of the world.
“Twenty-one pro fights, six world champion fights. Let’s get the business done - Eddie Hearn will sit down and I’m down for whatever, whenever. Wilder, let’s go baby, let’s go.”
How Twitter reacted to Joshua’s victory over Parker:
Another belt for Joshua.
“AJ fought well and smart,” said Lennox Lewis.
AJ wants to fight Wilder or Tyson Fury in the UK.
“Book it”.
Wembley wants another big night…
Waiting for Deontay’s response…
Or maybe it will be Fury next up for Joshua?
