After months of talk of a possible fight against Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder is set to return to the ring but instead will face off against Joseph Parker.
The Bronze Bomber last fought Robert Helenius - the same opponent whom Joshua also beat earlier this year - winning via a first-round knockout in October 2022. Since then, Wilder has kept fairly quiet regarding a return to the ring but is now set to face Parker in just over a month's time.
Having already taken to the ring a whopping 46 times across his career, the 38-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down even after his whopping trilogy against Tyson Fury from 2018 through to 2021. For Parker, some see this fight against the American as his toughest yet, after beating Simon Kean for the IBF and WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight titles in October.
READ MORE: When is Anthony Joshua next fight? Otto Wallin date, location and potential card
READ MORE: Deontay Wilder sends Anthony Joshua direct challenge amid Tyson Fury undercard claims
Having endured something of a busy 12 months all in all, Parker insists he is ready for the challenge WIlder brings. “We made a decision at the beginning of the year to keep busy. It’s the fourth fight of the year and a fight that really excites me," he said at Wednesday's press conference in London.
''Throughout my career I never went away from big fights and big opportunities and this fight against Wilder, I’m ready for it. I can’t wait to get back into camp and put in work for this fight. I respect Wilder, I respect Malik Scott, his trainer, and everything they’ve done in Boxing but he’s in my way. I know what I can do and I’m here to win.”
When is Deontay Wilder v Joshua Parker?
The fight will take place on Saturday 23 December.
Where is the bout taking place?
The bout is set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at the Kingdom Arena.
Who else is fighting?
- Anthony Joshua vs. Otto Wallin; Heavyweight
- Deontay Wilder vs. Joseph Parker; Heavyweight
- Dmitry Bivol vs. Lyndon Arthur; For Bivol's WBA light heavyweight title
- Daniel Dubois vs. Jarrell Miller; Heavyweight
- Jai Opetaia vs. Ellis Zorro; For Opetaia's IBF cruiserweight title
- Filip Hrgovic vs. Mark de Mori; Heavyweight
- Arslanbek Makhmudov vs. Agit Kabayel; For Kabayel's European heavyweight title
- Frank Sanchez vs. Junior Fa; Heavyweight