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Former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is gearing up for what he believes will be a short and explosive fight as he prepares to face Joseph Parker in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on December 23rd. The highly-anticipated bout, part of a larger event headlined by Anthony Joshua and Otto Wallin, marks Wilder's return to the ring after more than a year.
Wilder, known for his formidable punching power, is confident that his clash with Parker won't last long, echoing his swift victory over Robert Helenius in 2021. Despite his extended hiatus from competitive boxing, Wilder remains resolute in his prediction of a quick finish.
"In my head, I'm looking at three or four [rounds]," Wilder stated in an interview with ESNews. "But you never know. In my head, that's how I got it going. But I'm not going to force anything. I'm just gonna do what I do best. And that fight is going to be a knockout."
The upcoming match holds significance for Wilder, who has been eyeing a showdown with Joshua for some time. His last fight against Helenius was a successful comeback following his defeat to Tyson Fury in their 2021 trilogy.
Despite his fierce competitive nature in the ring, Wilder maintains a respectful stance towards his opponent. He expressed his admiration for Parker, emphasizing that personal animosity is not a prerequisite for an exciting fight.
"I like Joe," Wilder commented. "I'm the type of person I don't have to be mad at you. I don't have to talk about you and find things to come at you about to make it interesting. I do that naturally. If I like you, I like you. If I don't, I don't."
Parker, a 31-year-old New Zealander, enters the ring with a recent string of victories after a setback against Joe Joyce. With both fighters eager to prove themselves in this high-stakes match, fans can anticipate an electrifying showdown between two heavyweight contenders.