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Heavyweight contender Joseph Parker is not paying any attention to the statements from recent rival Deontay Wilder. Back in December, Parker outboxed Wilder over twelve rounds to secure a dominant unanimous decision in a very unexpected outcome.
The victory derailed Wilder's planned mega-fight with Anthony Joshua. Wilder was coming back from a significant layoff, and he'd only see a single round of action in two years' time. On the other hand, Parker remained very active last year - with Wilder being his fourth ring appearance of 2023.
In a recent interview, Wilder claimed that his performance was affected by the tiresome travel to get himself over to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Parker shot down that explanation, citing the fact that many boxers have to go through strenuous travel experiences in the leadup to a fight.
“Every fighter has to go through different things in camp. Before the Whyte camp, we locked in the fight then I flew 17 hours to Dubai, a three hour wait, then eight hours to Ireland to start my training camp," Parker said to IFL TV. “I was jet-lagged for a week, it’s what a fighter goes through, good or not it is what it is. It’s all part of trying to prepare for a fight. I’m not sure where he’s coming from, he did travel back and forth, we had to do the promotion, there was a lot of time travelling.
“When I travelled to Saudi for the fight, jet lag is a real thing, but as a professional fighter and the team around you - you have to make the right decision about when you have to be there and allow yourself the time to adjust and get used to the time zone and wherever you’re fighting.”
Parker will return in a very dangerous fight against Chinese giant Zhilei Zhang, which is part of the anticipated card that features Anthony Joshua's crossover boxing match with MMA veteran Francis Ngannou.
Boxing Wordsmith
In the squared circle where punches speak louder than words, heavyweight contender Joseph Parker recently delivered a knockout blow to Deontay Wilder's excuses following their December showdown. In a match that had boxing aficionados rubbing their eyes in disbelief, Parker danced around Wilder, schooling him over twelve rounds to clinch a unanimous decision victory. This wasn't just a win; it was a statement, derailing Wilder's much-anticipated clash with Anthony Joshua and perhaps, rewriting the future of the heavyweight division.
Wilder, in an attempt to explain his lackluster performance, pointed to the exhausting travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as a significant factor. However, Parker, unimpressed by such reasoning, countered with his own tale of endurance, highlighting the rigorous demands of international boxing promotion and preparation. Through jet lag and endless flights, Parker's message was clear: champions adapt and overcome.
With Wilder's plans hanging in the balance, Parker is gearing up for a colossal challenge against Chinese behemoth Zhilei Zhang. This bout is not just another fight; it's a part of a blockbuster card headlined by Anthony Joshua's crossover match with MMA titan Francis Ngannou. As the boxing world eagerly anticipates these clashes, Parker's focus remains unwavering, embodying the spirit of a true fighter ready to face whatever and whoever lies ahead.
What do you think about Parker's response to Wilder's travel excuse? And how do you see the colossal showdown with Zhilei Zhang unfolding? Is Parker setting a new standard for what it means to be a heavyweight champion? Drop your thoughts, predictions, and any fight insights in the comments below. Let's get the conversation punching!