Dillian Whyte vs. Joseph Parker

Dillian Whyte vs. Joseph Parker
Date28 July 2018
VenueThe O2 Arena, Greenwich, London, UK
Title(s) on the lineWBC Silver and WBO International heavyweight titles
Tale of the tape
Boxer Dillian Whyte Joseph Parker
Nickname "The Body Snatcher" "JP"
Hometown Brixton, London, UK Auckland, Auckland Region, New Zealand
Purse >£1,000,000[1] >£1,000,000
Pre-fight record 23–1 (17 KOs) 24–1 (18 KOs)
Age 30 years, 3 months 26 years, 6 months
Height 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) 6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Weight 258.5 lb (117 kg) 242 lb (110 kg)
Style Orthodox Orthodox
Recognition WBC
No. 1 Ranked Heavyweight
WBO
No. 2 Ranked Heavyweight
WBA
No. 7 Ranked Heavyweight
TBRB
No. 5 Ranked Heavyweight
WBC Silver heavyweight champion		 WBC/IBF/WBO
No. 6 Ranked Heavyweight
TBRB
No. 3 Ranked Heavyweight
Former WBO heavyweight champion
Result
Whyte defeated Parker via Unanimous Decision

Dillian Whyte vs. Joseph Parker, was a professional boxing match contested on 28 July 2018, for the WBC Silver and WBO International heavyweight titles.[2]

Background

Since his WBC title eliminator victory over bitter rival Derek Chisora in December 2016, Dillian Whyte had fought Malcolm Tann (replacing first Mariusz Wach then Michael Grant) Robert Helenius (after talks with Dominic Breazeale broke down) and Lucas Browne. On 24 April 2018, the WBC ordered Whyte to face Luis Ortiz in an eliminator bout for their heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder.[3] Whyte stated that he felt 'betrayed' by this decision as he thought he was already in line to challenge Wilder next, given his number 1 ranking and WBC Silver belt. The WBC made number 2 ranked Dominic Breazeale[4] the mandatory challenger, although they previously confirmed his win over Eric Molina was not a final eliminator. Whyte stated, if anything, the WBC should order Whyte vs. Breazeale as a final eliminator. Promoter Eddie Hearn was also puzzled by the decision.[5][6][7] At the same time, the IBF also ordered Whyte to fight former world title challenger Kubrat Pulev.

Although it was heavily rumoured that Whyte would face Luis Ortiz in a WBC final eliminator, on 7 June, it was confirmed that Whyte would instead fight former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker, who had just became the boxer to last the full 12 rounds with Anthony Joshua.[8] Parker had previously been linked with Alexander Ustinov and Bryant Jennings.[9][10]

Although there was some criticism to the bout being on PPV the fight itself was praised by fans for the match up.[11][12]

The fight

Chisora vs. Takam

Just before the main event in the chief support, Derek Chisora defeated former world title challenger Carlos Takam via 8th-round TKO, setting up a potential rematch with Whyte later in the year.[13]

Main Event

In the 2nd round Parker was sent down by a headbutt that was ruled a knockdown. After that Whyte largely controlled the bout with his powerful jab, which kept Parker on the back foot. Most of the middle rounds were mostly back and forth action with both fighters having success. After round six, Whyte began to show fatigue. This did not prevent him from carrying on going forward and trying to land big shots as Parker was wary of Whyte's power. A chopping left hand from Whyte sent Parker down again in the 9th. Whyte also started using roughhouse tactics after the first few rounds. This included rabbit punches, head-butting, holding and hitting and pushing Parker over the ropes. He was warned once earlier in the fight and then warned again in the final rounds, however no points were deducted.[14] Parker took over in the final rounds but was unable to put Whyte away. A tiring Whyte was knocked down after some quick right hands in the 12th and final round, but he was able to survive the last 20 seconds to the final bell.[15] All three judges scored the bout for Whyte with scores of 113–111, 115–110 & 114–111.[16]

Aftermath

Speaking to Sky Sports after the fight, Whyte gave Parker credit, "He was slick and I knew he was going to fight for the first few rounds, then come back in the final few rounds. I am annoyed I slipped at the final hurdle in the last round. I was rocked and took a few." Whyte stated he would take another fight before the end of 2018 and ready for Anthony Joshua in April 2019, "I would like to fight Joshua again if he wants it. I've still got a lot to learn, so I would like to get one more in before him again." Parker had no complaints and humble in defeat, "I gave it my best; the better man and I will come back stronger."[17] Parker's trainer Kevin Barry was very vocal after the fight regarding Whyte's rough tactics, claiming he should have had points taken off.[18]

In the post-fight press conference, Hearn spoke of Whyte's next potential fights. Derek Chisora was mentioned, however Whyte stated he was not interested as he 'had bigger fish to fry'.[19][20] Hearn revealed he would offer Wilder in the region of £6 million ($8m US) to fight Whyte in New York.[21][22][23] WBA (Regular) champion Manuel Charr and Luis Ortiz were also mentioned.[24]

Ultimately Whyte agreed to face Chisora in December 2018.

Fight card

Confirmed bouts:[25]

Weight Class vs. Method Round Time Notes
Heavyweight Dillian Whyte (c) def. Joseph Parker UD 12/12 Note 1
Heavyweight Derek Chisora def. Carlos Takam TKO 8/12 1:01 Note 2
Welterweight Conor Benn def. Cedrick Peynaud UD 10/10 Note 3
Lightweight Katie Taylor (c) def. Kimberly Connor TKO 3/10 1:43 Note 4
Light-heavyweight Joshua Buatsi def. Andrejs Pokumeiko KO 1/10 1:56 Note 5
Heavyweight David Allen def. Nick Webb KO 4/10 2:59
Light-middleweight Anthony Fowler def. Craig O'Brien TKO 6/8 0:08
Light-heavyweight Frank Buglioni def. Emmanuel Feuzeu RTD 6/8 3:00
Cruiserweight Richard Riakporhe def. Elvis Dube RTD 2/4 3:00
Cruiserweight Charlie Duffield def. Reinis Porozovs RTD 3/4 3:00

^Note 1 For WBC Silver and vacant WBO International heavyweight titles
^Note 2 For vacant WBA International heavyweight title
^Note 3 For vacant WBA Continental (Europe) welterweight title
^Note 4 For WBA and IBF female lightweight titles
^Note 5 For vacant WBA International light-heavyweight title

Broadcasting

Country Broadcaster
 Australia Main Event
 Panama Cable Onda Sports
 United Kingdom Sky Sports

References

  1. ^ "Dillian Whyte vs Joseph Parker prize money: how much of the fight purse will the winner get?". The Telegraph. 26 July 2018. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 26 July 2018.
  2. ^ "Dillian Whyte vs. Joseph Parker". boxrec.com. BoxRec. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  3. ^ "WBC orders Ortiz-Whyte eliminator". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  4. ^ "RATINGS AS OF APRIL – 2018" (PDF). wbcboxing.com. World Boxing Council. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  5. ^ "Whyte furious at WBC after Wilder snub". ESPN.com. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  6. ^ "Hearn: How Did WBC Order Whyte-Ortiz, Wilder-Breazeale Next?". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  7. ^ "Dillian Whyte feels betrayed after WBC denied him a mandatory title fight with Deontay Wilder". Sky Sports. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  8. ^ "Whyte vs Parker: Dillian Whyte faces Joseph Parker live on Sky Sports Box Office". Sky Sports. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
  9. ^ "Joseph Parker, Bryant Jennings agree to terms for Aug. 18 fight in Atlantic City – The Ring". The Ring. 5 June 2018. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  10. ^ Jay, Phil. "Joseph Parker promoter denies Bryant Jennings agreement, says Alexander Ustinov also possible". World Boxing News. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  11. ^ Jay, Phil. "Whyte v Parker: Two title eliminators gone / PPV backlash / Possible undercard calvary". World Boxing News. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
  12. ^ "Dillian Whyte reacts badly to doubts over Parker fight being on PPV during interview". GiveMeSport. 7 June 2018. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
  13. ^ "Chisora Fights Through Fire, Sensational Knockout of Takam". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
  14. ^ John Brewin (29 July 2018). "Dillian Whyte beats Joseph Parker after Dereck Chisora knocks out Carlos Takam – as it happened". theguardian.com. The Guardian. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  15. ^ Greg O'Keeffe (29 July 2018). "Dillian Whyte beats Joseph Parker in gruelling contest". bbc.co.uk. BBC. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  16. ^ "Whyte vs Parker: Dillian Whyte out-points Joseph Parker after three combined knock-downs". Sky Sports. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  17. ^ "Whyte survives rocky final round to top Parker". ESPN.com. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  18. ^ "Joseph Parker's trainer: Dillian Whyte should have had points deducted – video". The Guardian. 29 July 2018. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  19. ^ "Dillian Whyte not interested in rematch with Dereck Chisora". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  20. ^ Davies, Gareth A. (29 July 2018). "Eddie Hearn backs Dillian Whyte and Dereck Chisora for title shots". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  21. ^ "Eddie Hearn to offer Deontay Wilder £6m to face Dillian Whyte in New York". The Independent. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  22. ^ "Dillian Whyte to return in 2018, Three-Opponent Shortlist revealed". World Boxing News. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  23. ^ "Hearn to offer $7-8m for Wilder to fight Whyte". ESPN.com. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  24. ^ "Dillian Whyte Eyes Manuel Charr, Skepitcal About Wilder-Fury". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  25. ^ "BoxRec – event".
Preceded by Dillian Whyte's bouts
28 July 2018 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Joseph Parker's bouts
28 July 2018 		Succeeded by