Wilder unexpectedly lost to Parker on boxing night in Saudi Arabia

American boxer Deontay Wilder (44-2-1, 42 KO) was defeated by New Zealand's Joseph Parker (34-3, 23 KO) in a fight for the WBC International and WBO Intercontinental heavyweight titles.

The boxers started the fight cautiously. Gradually, Wilder seized the centre of the ring, and it seemed that he would own the initiative. However, Parker hit his opponent more often and in general was closer to victory on points, according to experts. In the eighth round, there was a risk that the fight would end early: after Parker's accurate shot, the New Zealander rushed to finish his opponent. However, there were not enough accurate punches and time before the end of the round.

No one managed to win the fight ahead of schedule. The final decision was up to the judges, who gave a unanimous decision to Parker (118-111, 118-110 and 120-107).

It is worth recalling that this fight took place in the framework of the evening of boxing in Saudi Arabia. The main fight of the evening will take place between Anthony Joshua and Otto Wallin.

Earlier, we reported that Dmitry Bivol defeated Lyndon Arthur in a fight for the belts IBO World and WBA Super World.