On the topic of the resurgence in popularity of heavyweight boxing, Anthony Joshua’s name is one that tends to dominate the conversation and Saturday night he managed to prove why. While his performance didn’t match up to that knockout he predicted in the ninth, his ability to outlast contender Joseph Parker meant the addition of a WBO (World Boxing Organization) belt to his WBA (World Boxing Association) and IBF (International Boxing Federation) belts.
The matchup marked the first time that Joshua (21-0, 20 KOs) has gone all twelve rounds in his professional career as a unanimous decision, scored 118-110 twice and 119-109, earned him a new title while Parker’s previously undefeated record fell 24-1, 18 KOs.
“My strategy was to stick behind the jab," Joshua said. "It's one of the most important weapons we have […] The old saying is a right hand will take you around the block but a good jab will take you around the world […] So I stuck behind the jab and made sure that anything coming back, I was switched on, I was focused and [it went] 12 rounds baby […] Joseph Parker is a world champion so I knew he was going to be determined […] Sometimes it does become a boxing match, not a fight. I said this would be about boxing finesse."
Soon after, Anthony Joshua also noted his interest in getting into the ring with WBC (World Boxing Council) champion Deontay Wilder of the United States for a chance to become the undisputed champion once and for all. That particular matchup is slated to be one of the biggest heavyweight fights of all time, and could very well take place sometime next year in Joshua’s home of England.
