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| Date | 28 July 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Venue | The O2 Arena, Greenwich, London, UK | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Title(s) on the line | WBC Silver and WBO International heavyweight titles | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tale of the tape | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 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]
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 PPV card began with wins for prospects Anthony Fowler, David Allen, Joshua Buatsi and Conor Benn.
The first world title bout saw unified WBA and IBF lightweight champion Katie Taylor face challenger Kimberly Connor (IBF:2nd, WBA 4th). [13] [14]
Despite a swelling appearing under Taylor's right eye in the 2nd round, she dominated the fight. Hurting Connor after a flurry of blows that forced referee Steve Gray to step in and wave it off. [15]
Speaking afterwards Taylor said "I knew I had a bump around my eye. It was good, Kimberly was very tough. I just happened to catch her with a good shot, stay composed and finished it. It has always been the plan [to be undisputed champion]. I have two belts and I have two more to go."
Just before the main event in the chief support, former British, Commonwealth and European heavyweight champion Derek Chisora (WBC 11th) faced former world title challenger Carlos Takam (IBF:5th, WBC 14th) for the WBA International title. [16] [17]
Takam would start the bout aggressively, trapping Chisora against the ropes and unloading with both hands and appearing to briefly stun Chisora. The next few rounds were a slugfest with Takam landing to the head and Chisora to the body.
Early in the 8th round Chisora landed a big right hand that dropped Takam, he beat the count but appeared to be on unsteady legs, Chisora immediately landed another heavy shot that flattened Takam, prompting the referee to wave off the bout.
Chisora's set up a potential rematch with Whyte for later in the year. [18] [19]
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. [20] 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. [21] All three judges scored the bout for Whyte with scores of 113–111, 115–110 & 114–111. [22]
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." [23] Parker's trainer Kevin Barry was very vocal after the fight regarding Whyte's rough tactics, claiming he should have had points taken off. [24]
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'. [25] [26] Hearn revealed he would offer Wilder in the region of £6 million ($8m US) to fight Whyte in New York. [27] [28] [29] WBA (Regular) champion Manuel Charr and Luis Ortiz were also mentioned. [30]
Ultimately Whyte agreed to face Chisora in December 2018.
| 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 |
| Lightweight | Katie Taylor (c) | def. | Kimberly Connor | TKO | 3/10 | 1:43 | Note 3 |
| Welterweight | Conor Benn | def. | Cedrick Peynaud | UD | 10/10 | 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 | |
| Preliminary bouts | |||||||
| Light-heavyweight | Frank Buglioni | def. | Emmanuel Feuzeu | RTD | 6/8 | 3:00 | |
| Cruiserweight | Charlie Duffield | def. | Reinis Porozovs | RTD | 3/4 | 3:00 | |
| Non-TV bouts | |||||||
| Cruiserweight | Richard Riakporhe | def. | Elvis Dube | RTD | 2/4 | 3:00 | |
^Note 1 For WBC Silver and vacant WBO International heavyweight titles
^Note 2 For vacant WBA International heavyweight title
^Note 3 For WBA and IBF lightweight titles
^Note 4 For vacant WBA Continental (Europe) welterweight title
^Note 5 For vacant WBA International light-heavyweight title
| Country | Broadcaster |
|---|---|
 Australia | Main Event |
 Ireland | Sky Sports |
 New Zealand | Sky Arena |
 Panama | Cable Onda Sports |
 United Kingdom | Sky Sports |