Former world champion Tyson Fury was not impressed with Anthony Joshua, who was taken the distance for the first time in his professional career before winning a unanimous points decision in his world heavyweight title unification fight with Joseph Parker in Cardiff on Saturday.
After 12 rounds, Britain's Joshua triumphed 118-110, 118-110, 119-109 on the three judges' scorecards.
Victory extended the London 2012 Olympic champion' perfect pro record to 21 wins from as many bouts but was the first in which he'd failed to do so by a knockout.
It also saw International Boxing Federation, International Boxing Organization and World Boxing Association champion Joshua add Parker's World Boxing Organisation belt to his collection.
This result was New Zealand boxer Parker's first defeat in his 25-fight pro career.
Saturday's contest in front of a 78,000 capacity crowd at the Principality Stadium was the first time two previously undefeated heavyweight champions had met for a world title in Britain.
Joshua's win should move him closer to a bout against Deontay Wilder, the American who holds the World Boxing Council's version of the heavyweight title.
The contest with Parker was very tactical and there was very little to separate them in numerous close rounds, where both boxers played it safe without taking any real risks.
Fury watched the fight between Joshua and Parker, and based on what he saw - he believes Wilder would knock Joshua out in style.
"They're [Joshua and Parker] a pair of wooden tops, a pair of bums. AJ is no superstar - I am the man. I could beat AJ in my comeback. He's not good enough to be my sparring partner. That was a load of s**t. Joshua is a bum. I'd knock him spark out," Fury said.
"That was a s**t fight, ** performance by both fighters. AJ, please don't fight Wilder because he'll knock you spark out - take my ￡50 million instead."
2023-10-20 17:23:17
