Anthony Joshua defeated Joseph Parker by points on Saturday to unify the WBO belt to his IBF and WBA titles.
Although losing his 100 percent knockout record, Joshua was the clear winner, triumphing by the scores of 118-110, 118-110 and 119-109.
Joshua retained his spot as the world heavyweight champion, according to ESPN, landing more punches (139 to Parker’s 101) although throwing much less (383 to 492).
My strategy in there was to stick behind the jab. A right hand will take you around the block, but a good jab will take you around the world. I stuck behind the jab. I was focused. I controlled him behind the jab, and the main thing is I am the unified champion of the world. I thought it was hard, but going the 12 rounds was light work.
A fight with America’s Deontay Wilder, the WBC champion, could be in the works, the fight being the most in-demand right now.
Joshua might before then however have to fulfill a mandatory defense against Russia’s Alexander Povetkin.
Although Joshua isn’t particularly keen on fighting in the United States, he said, “I want Wilder. Or [Tyson] Fury. Either one.”
Photo Credit: @anthonyfjoshua