In a fight where both fighters struggled with each others style, and an overly fussy referee somewhat spoiled the spectacle, but Anthony Joshua won a wide points decision and added another belt to his collection.
Parker struggled to get in range while Joshua had problems coping with his opponent’s jerky style. The fight lacked excitement but I thought it was still an absorbing fight nonetheless.
Neither fighter looked troubled by the few power punches which came their way, and a stoppage win never looked remotely likely.
The fight lacked any real rhythm, but Joshua will benefit from the experience and especially going the full 12 rounds. I had it a little closer at 116-112, I had it even after 6, but Joshua pulled away from that point on.
The judges had it much wider at 118-110, 118-110 and 119-109.
In adding the WBO belt, Joshua only needs the WBC belt to be crowned the undisputed world heavyweight champion. After this performance, Deontay Wilder might, just might now be tempted.
Povetkin beats Price in 5
Just before Joshua and Parker stepping into the ring, David Price had the massive opportunity, but the opportunity was too big, it was always going to be too big. But if this is the last time we see Price in a boxing ring, then he goes out with his head held high
Price was tentative early but was starting to let his punches flow in the 3rd, but then Alexander Povetkin dropped him heavily and it looked over.
But Price picked himself up and landed a big left hook later in the round, which saw Povetkin stagger back, the ropes saving him from hitting the canvas. If that punch had landed 20 seconds earlier, Povetkin might not have recovered, but sadly it didn’t.
Povetkin landed a right in the 5th which stunned Price badly, an unnecessarily left hook finished the job.
Sadly the miracle didn’t happen, but Price played his part. The career which promised so much didn’t deliver, and retirement must now be his next move.
Boxing rarely gives us a happy ending, and as most of us thought, the right man lost.
Hopefully at some point in my lifetime boxing gets truly serious about drug testing and gives out severe punishment for cheats. As of now it’s frankly embarrassing and brings shame on the sport.
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