Deontay Wilder: Parker ran from me, but now Imma punish him

Heavyweight boxer Deontay Wilder (43-2-1, 42 KOs) expressed his thoughts on the upcoming fight against Joseph Parker.

Deontay believes that the New Zealand fighter previously avoided a match with him, which is why Wilder couldn't unify the titles in the heavyweight division.

“I definitely remember that. And Joseph Parker ran from me because he has seen what I did to Gerald Washington. And, you know, he came to talk a good game and talk about, you know, fighting me or whatever, just like all the other ones. And he has seen, you know, the performance I had by knocking Gerald Washington out, and he [fled], he ran, just like all the other ones. I always say many times I was supposed to unify the division many, many years ago, if I had the opportunity. But unfortunately, no one has ever given me the opportunity like I’ve given other fighters the opportunity to fight. You know, and it’s just sad because I have a blessing and a curse. But God is good. And I’m looking forward to the ‘Day of the Reckoning‘.

I don’t know how he built the courage up now, you know, or whatever. But I’m glad he’s here, you know, because Imma punish him. You know, and I’m looking forward to fighting him. All in all, I’m just looking forward to fighting him. And I can’t wait for it to happen. It won’t be long now.” quotes Deontay Boxing Scene.

Wilder and Parker will face off on December 23 in the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh. Another significant match of the evening will be Anthony Joshua versus Otto Wallin.

In the event of victories over their respective opponents, Wilder and Joshua are slated to fight each other. There was previous information about an agreement between the fighters for a bout on March 9, 2024.