Hearn said Wilder’s loss ‘ruined plan’s for Joshua fight (Picture: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing)
Eddie Hearn described Deontay Wilder’s defeat to Joseph Parker as ‘the most one-sided heavyweight fight I have ever seen’ in a damning assessment of ‘The Bronze Bomber’.
Wilder was outclassed by Parker in the co-main event of ‘Day of Reckoning’ in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night with the New Zealander securing a dominant unanimous points win.
Anthony Joshua meanwhile put in an excellent display to sweep aside Otto Wallin later in the night.
Plans were in place for Joshua and Wilder to finally meet in the ring in March 2024 but the American’s defeat scuppers them for now.
Wilder had fought just one round of boxing in 26 months leading into his fight – that coming in his knockout win over Robert Helenius in October last year. Prior to that, his last fight was his trilogy defeat to Tyson Fury in October 2021.
The former WBC champion looked a shadow of his former self on the night, rarely troubling Parker and looking devoid of ideas throughout the one-sided contest.
Speaking after Wilder’s defeat while Joshua was going through his final preparations, Hearn told TNT Sports: ‘I said in the build-up I don’t rate him. Wilder had no idea, no clue.
Wilder was outclassed by former WBO champion Parker (Picture: Getty)
‘He lost every round. He had his hand up telling the referees he won the fight. He’s not right. That’s the reality.
‘It was the most one-sided heavyweight fight I’ve ever seen. It’s ruined our plans. We’ve got to go let Anthony Joshua know Wilder lost to Parker. We must win this fight. And after that, I’m nervous.’
After his bruising defeat, Wilder hinted he could consider retirement after suffering the third loss of his career at the age of 38.
Asked if all the talk about the Joshua fight had been a distraction, Wilder said: ‘A little bit. It was a lot of talk about a lot of things. We make no excuses. We’ll be back for sure.
‘We have a little bit more left. I’ve done a great job with managing my money and investing. I’m a happy fighter. I’ll be back soon and if not, it’s been a pleasure.’
MORE : Eddie Hearn reveals Anthony Joshua’s next opponent after Deontay Wilder plans are scuppered
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A night to forget for ‘The Bronze Bomber’.