WOW, Joseph Parker just annihilated Deontay Wilder. Dominated every round and never gave Wilder any opportunities to land that deadly right hand. Massive upset. That Anthony Joshua fight is for sure now off the table for Wilder. Damn shame. #WilderParker pic.twitter.com/jOeHVHgt34
— WG (@NvictusManeo) December 23, 2023
Wilder’s prowess as a boxer has often been overshadowed. When facing opponents lacking finesse, he might secure victories, but against tactically skilled fighters like Joseph Parker, his shortcomings become evident. Even against less experienced opponents like Gerald Washington, Wilder struggled in the past. So, the idea that he could suddenly outbox someone like Parker seems far-fetched. Even Malik Scott’s assertion that Wilder had better boxing skills than Muhammad Ali feels out of touch with reality. Scott’s corner work during the fight was notably subpar. Initially, I believed Wilder might overpower Parker in the later rounds or secure a decision through knockdowns or significant hits. However, Wilder’s performance was noticeably subdued. His usual ferocity was absent until the 12th round when he finally showed a glimpse of his former aggressive style after being thoroughly outmatched.
Wilder’s strategy of waiting until the 12th round to step up was baffling, especially when he was clearly losing every preceding round. Malik Scott’s role in Wilder’s corner during the fight might have contributed to his lackluster performance. Scott seemed to perpetuate Wilder’s delusions by constantly reinforcing his belief in his unparalleled skill set, even comparing him to boxing legends like Muhammad Ali. This approach likely kept Wilder in a state of denial about his actual performance.
WILDER STUNNED BAD AT THE END OF ROUND 8!! #DayOfReckoning #WilderParker pic.twitter.com/GvUjqgodgq
— CEO of MMA GIFs (@CEOofMMAGIFs) December 23, 2023
The issue lies in Wilder’s delusion and Scott’s reinforcement of it. Instead of being truthful about Wilder’s position in the fight, Scott appeared to act as a ‘yes man,’ failing to switch tactics or provide necessary criticism. Wilder needed someone in his corner to shake him out of his delusion, to acknowledge he was losing and urge him to change his approach.
Wilder’s footwork has always been a point of contention. Despite his ability to move around the ring due to his weight, his footwork lacks the finesse and effectiveness necessary for boxing. His inability to plant his feet and throw effectively was evident against Joseph Parker. Wilder’s post-fight claim that he thought he won showcases the depth of his delusion.
Spent so many years waiting for Parker to really unleash, in fights against AJ and Whyte. Beautiful to see him unload here. #WilderParker #DayOfReckoning
— Brendan Bradford (@1bbradfo) December 23, 2023
Joseph Parker’s victory was well-deserved, securing rounds convincingly. Wilder’s inactivity, especially at 38 years old, likely contributed to his downfall. For a less technically skilled fighter like Wilder, staying active becomes crucial for maintaining timing and sharpness. With only one fight in two years, his rustiness was apparent.
Ultimately, Parker’s victory over both Andy Ruiz and Deontay Wilder highlights his prowess. Wilder’s inactivity coupled with his corner’s failure to address his performance issues led to a well-deserved win for Parker.
