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#4. Anthony Joshua vs. Joseph Parker
On March 31st, 2018, Anthony Joshua defeated Joseph Parker.
Joshua and Parker met in Cardiff, Wales at the Principality Stadium. Despite the immense excitement surrounding the unification bout, by the final bell, many fans believed the fight failed to live up to the hype. There was much criticism directed at referee Giuseppe Quartarone for constantly breaking the fighters up and not allowing them to work on the inside.
The Cardiff clash didn't have any knockdowns nor did it have as many exciting exchanges as some of Joshua's earlier fights. However, the bout was still significant to the heavyweight landscape.
In 2018, there were three heavyweight champions in the sport of boxing. Deontay Wilder held the WBC Heavyweight crown while Anthony Joshua held the WBA (Super), IBF and IBO Titles. In New Zealand, the 26-year-old Joseph Parker reigned as the WBO Heavyweight Champion.
Parker was a crafty fighter with an iron chin. Although he didn't have the earth-shattering power of a Deontay Wilder, he was still a champion who possessed the technical grit to give any heavyweight problems. Prior to the bout with 'AJ', Parker had a terrific record. Standing at 24-0, the New Zealander boasted wins over the likes of Andy Ruiz, Hughie Fury, and Carlos Takam.
Joshua's win over Parker proved many things. It was the Brit's first decision victory and proved he could go the full twelve rounds without succumbing to fatigue. The fight showcased that Joshua didn't need to rely on his size and power to secure victory either. The win over Parker also displayed Joshua's phenomenal jab and how he could fight and move behind it.
While many might have considered the Cardiff clash to be a lackluster affair, it highlighted Joshua's technique, finesse, and overall skills as a boxer.
