DEONTAY “THE BRONZE BOMBER” WILDER VS. JOSEPH PARKER
Tuscaloosa, Alabama’s own Deontay Wilder(43-2-1, 42KOS) is regarded as one of the biggest punchers in prizefighting heavyweight history, and is a strong contender for holding the hardest single punch of all time. With the sport being well over 100 years old, and featuring such heavy handed legends as Joe Louis, Sonny Liston, George Foreman, Earnie Shavers and Mike Tyson, even being mentioned in that group is no easy feat.
Like Joshua, Wilder also started later in life than most champions. He began to learn the sport in 2005 at 20 years old. Remarkably, he won the bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics only 3 years after picking up the gloves, earning the nickname “the Bronze Bomber.” That same year, he turned professional and thus began his rise to the very top of the heavyweight heap.
Wilder began his pro career going 25 fights, winning all by knockout and all within 4 rounds. He had 32 fights before he even went the distance for the first time. That 12 rounder was against WBC champion Bermain Stiverne. The Bronze Bomber didn’t get the end he wanted, but did cruise to a unanimous decision, becoming WBC champion of the world. After a few more high profile knockouts Wilder ended up rematching Stiverne and demolished him in the first round, thus was able to say, in 40 professional matches he had knocked out every single opponent he had ever faced.
Fight 41 was the first of a trilogy against Tyson Fury. Wilder was taken to the final bell for the second time in his career, but Fury hit the canvas twice in that fight, with the second being one of the most dramatic rises from the canvas ever seen on television. The judges scored the fight a split draw, meaning Wilder was able to keep his WBC title.
Deontay was able to rack up a total of 10 successful championship defenses. After that he would famously rematch Fury twice, losing by TKO 7 in the second fight. In 2021 he lost the third by knockout in the 11th round, but it only added to the legend that is Wilder by being one of, if not, the most entertaining and dramatic heavyweight championship matches in modern history. Though he was still able to put Tyson Fury on the canvas a total of 4 times during their 36 rounds in the ring, he had then lost 2 out of 3 and his WBC belt to boot.
Not ready to call it quits, and eager to be champion again, Wilder returned in October of 2022. This time against former sparring partner, Robert Helenius. Though getting in some rounds would have been good for the Bronze Bomber, a short right hand off the ropes, about 40 seconds into the first round, was all it took. Helenius crumpled unconscious to the canvas and the fight was called off immediately.
Though his style is obviously unorthodox, garnering criticism from some, everything he does in the ring, including his underrated jab and unique form, is done to ensure that the legendary power he possesses finds his opponent. Wilder is currently over a year removed from the ring, he’s been working diligently with current trainer, Malik Scott, and is certain he’s in shape to take on the tough customer that is, Joseph Parker
The pride of both New Zealand and Samoa, Joseph Parker(33-3, 23KOS) is no stranger to high-profile fights himself. He has a reputation as a man who takes all comers and has proven that he belongs at the upper echelons of the heavyweight division.
In 2016, he had worked his way to a chance at the WBO strap, but first he had to defeat a then 29-0 Andy Ruiz jr. It was a very close fight, Parker using his strength, Ruiz using his speed, and both showcasing their skill and ability to take a punch, Parker was the one who got his hand raised, becoming the very first heavyweight world champion from either New Zealand or the Pacific Islands.
Once he had the belt in hand he defended it twice before trying to unify against Anthony Joshua in 2018. He came up short but refused to let a loss define him. Later that year he fought Dillion Whyte, dropping him twice but ended up taking his second loss in a controversial decision. Four wins later, including a UD over undercard fighter and fellow countryman “Junior” Fa, he went up against the beloved veteran, Derek Chisora. Parker went down at the very beginning of the first round with a flash knockdown, but fought hard to win a split decision. A rematch was in order, only this time it was he who knocked Chisora to the canvas thrice, winning in unanimous fashion.
His next bout was against 37-year-old rising prospect turned contender “the Juggernaut” Joe Joyce. Parker fought valiantly through 11 rounds against the heavy puncher, but ultimately, exhaustion and the immense power of Joyce took their toll. His iron chin failed him for the first time and he came crashing to the canvas. Though Joe Parker did his best to get up in time, he didn’t quite make the count, ending the fight.
Since the loss to Joyce in September of last year, Parker has stayed busy, fighting three times, winning all three, two of them by early knockout, showing that he still has the will, skill, and power to get in on his opponents.
Time and time again, throughout his career, he has shown such heart and willingness to take tough match-ups. Not only that, but he is very well rounded and carries enough power to keep any heavyweight honest.
It’s obvious from the build up that there is a lot of respect between Wilder and Parker. For now, however, they are in each other’s way. Wilder has to get through Parker to finally get the long-awaited clash with Joshua. Parker has to get through Wilder to start another run for the belts. Afterwards, it’s likely these two affable guys become friends, but for now, both have their eyes on the destruction of the other.
