Notebook: Wilder finally faces Parker, but Joshua showdown looms
Jake Paul teams with USA Boxing; featherweight title doubleheader set; Ryan Garcia calls out Haney; Quick hits; Show and tell
A note to Fight Freaks Unite readers: I created Fight Freaks Unite in January 2021 and eight months later it also became available for paid subscriptions for additional content — and as a way to help keep this newsletter going and for readers to support independent journalism. If you haven’t upgraded to a paid subscription please consider it. If you have already, I truly appreciate it! Also, consider a gift subscription for the Fight Freak in your life.
Nearly seven years after a heavyweight unification showdown between then-WBC titleholder Deontay Wilder and then-WBO titlist Joseph Parker was a hot fight but did not come off, it finally will.
Times have changed however. Both have long since lost their perfect records and their titles, although both remain among the top heavyweights.
Wilder and Parker will square off in the 12-round co-feature of the mega “Day of Reckoning” card on Saturday (DAZN PPV and ESPN+ PPV in the U.S., 11 a.m. ET, $39.99) at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is headlined by former two-time unified heavyweight titlist Anthony Joshua facing Otto Wallin, with the plan for Joshua and Wilder to fight on March 9 if they both win in a long anticipated about.
Joshua-Wilder may be the most recent must-see Wilder fight, but he remembers when there was plenty of attention on the prospect of a unification fight against Parker only to see the bout go by the wayside.
Please upgrade to a paid subscription for full access to all posts and comments — and also help support independent journalism
Wilder was set to defend his title in February 2017 against in Birmingham, Alabama, near his hometown of Tuscaloosa, against then-unbeaten contender Gerald Washington and Parker came to town for the fight.
Parker was there because one of the fighters he shared with then-trainer Kevin Barry was on the undercard, so he came with them to support his team. But he was also there to scout Wilder in person.
The hope on both sides was that if Wilder defeated Washington, which he did by fifth-round knockout, and Parker defeated mandatory challenger Hughie Fury that spring, they would fight later in 2017.
Ultimately, Parker defended his title in May against Razvan Cojanu because the Fury fight was delayed until that September. But even after Parker outpointed Fury and Wilder knocked out Bermane Stiverne in the first round of a mandatory rematch, the unification showdown never came to pass even though both men were in an optional defense period.
Wilder said that Parker simply had no interest after seeing him up close.
“I definitely remember that and Joseph Parker ran from me because he seen what did to Gerald Washington,” Wilder said to a small group of U.S. boxing reporters on recent Zoom call. “He came to (Birmingham) to talk a good game and talk about fighting me or whatever. Just like all the other ones. And he saw the performance I had by knocking Gerald Washington out and he fled, he ran. Just like all the other ones.”
Wilder (43-2-1, 42 KOs), 38, said it was frustrating to him because he wanted to unify titles and never was able to get one of those fights done — including against then-three belt titlist Joshua for the undisputed crown — despite holding the WBC belt for five years.
“I always say many times I was supposed to unify the division many, many years ago if I had the opportunity,” Wilder said. “But unfortunately no one has ever given me the opportunity like I’ve given other fighters the opportunity to fight. Regardless, here we are again. A lot of great things are happening, a lot of doors have opened and a lot of opportunities are looming around.
“I’m honored to be able to perform in Saudi Arabia and I’m looking forward to the ‘Day of Reckoning.’ Me and Parker were supposed to have fought awhile back but he ran. I don’t know how he built the courage up now, but I’m glad he’s here, because I’m gonna punish him and I’m looking forward to fighting him.”
Wilder’s aim is to take care of Parker (33-3, 23 KOs), 31, of New Zealand, and to see Joshua (26-3, 23 KOs), 34, of England, defeat Wallin (26-1, 14 KOs), 33, a southpaw from Sweden, so they can finally fight in a bout that would also take place in Saudi Arabia as the annual Riyadh Season festival comes to a close.
“I can’t put a percentage on it but know that it’s high,” Wilder said of the fight with him and Joshua taking place as long as they win Saturday. “I can’t talk for others, so I can go off only what I feel and what I’ve been hearing, and it looks great. So, right now at this moment in time, we both have a job to do, his with Otto Wallin and mine with Joseph, and we must handle that business and get it out of the way.
“I’m seriously focused on Joseph as I know he’s seriously focused on Otto Wallin, and once that’s over with nothing but great things are happening. I can tell the fans to be looking forward to great and wonderful things.”
“Day of Reckoning” PPV lineup
Heavyweights: Anthony Joshua (26-3, 23 KOs) vs. Otto Wallin (26-1, 14 KOs), 12 rounds
Heavyweights: Deontay Wilder (43-2-1, 42 KOs) vs. Joseph Parker (33-3, 23 KOs), 12 rounds
Heavyweights: Daniel Dubois (19-2, 18 KOs) vs. Jarrell Miller (26-0-1, 22 KOs), 10 rounds
Light heavyweights: Dmitry Bivol (21-0, 11 KOs) vs. Lyndon Arthur (23-1, 16 KOs), 12 rounds, for Bivol’s WBA title
Heavyweights: Arslanbek Makhmudov (18-0, 17 KOs) vs. Agit Kabayel (23-0, 15 KOs), 10 rounds
Cruiserweights: Jai Opetaia (23-0, 18 KOs) vs. Ellis Zorro (17-0, 7 KOs), 12 rounds, for Opetaia’s lineal title
Heavyweights: Filip Hrgovic (16-0, 13 KOs) vs. Mark De Mori (41-2-2, 36 KOs), 10 rounds
Heavyweights: Frank Sanchez (23-0, 16 KOs) vs. Junior Fa (20-2, 11 KOs), 10 rounds
We broke out my recent interview with Otto Wallin as a stand-alone episode of our podcast as he heads into his fight against Anthony Joshua on Saturday. Give it a listen, a review, and also subscribe to get an alert when the next episode is available. New show every Thursday and Sunday night.
Jake Paul teams with USA Boxing
Jake Paul will use his name and profile to help bring attention to USA Boxing’s 2024 Paris Olympic team.
USA Boxing announced Tuesday that it has partnered with Paul “to further amplify amateur boxing and its future champions ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. This partnership between Paul and Team USA will be a joint effort to create a wave of excitement for boxing at this year’s Olympics, while educating USA’s best amateur boxing talent on the importance of building your skills inside and outside the ring.”
Paul, a social media influencer and YouTube personality, who is also an aspiring cruiserweight, said he wants to ignite global interest in boxing with younger generations and support youth boxing through his Most Valuable Promotions, nonprofit work (aimed at anti-bullying) and his popular social media platforms.
Paul plans to train at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training facility in early 2024 with the U.S. Olympic team and go with the squad to Paris.
“It has always been my goal to shine a spotlight not just on boxing as a sport, but on the people who work so hard to be the best within it,” Paul said. “The mindset of pursuing greatness is one I both see and personally share with (Team USA members) Mo McCane, Joshua Edwards, and the rest of Team USA’s boxing talent. The Olympics are the greatest stage in the world, and I’m honored to help bring awareness to USA Boxing and mentor these young, inspiring athletes as they fight for gold.
“Anyone who works hard enough to receive the honor to represent Team USA at the Olympics deserves a platform, so I’m looking forward to getting down to business in Colorado Springs with Coach (Billy) Walsh and the rest of Team USA.”
Team USA welcomed Paul’s interest in the program.
“Within just three years of becoming a professional boxer, Jake Paul has become a standout inspiration to younger generation,” said USA Boxing executive director Mike McAtee. “Jake’s mentorship will be a vital resource to the young athletes on Team USA to ensure they capitalize on building brand IP as they get the opportunity to perform on the biggest stage in the world at the most iconic contest in history, the Olympics.”
Featherweight frenzy
Top Rank’s expected featherweight world title doubleheader was made official on Tuesday.
Newly signed Otabek Kholmatov will face Raymond Ford for the vacant WBA title in the main event and Luis Alberto Lopez will defend the IBF title for the third time against mandatory challenger Reiya Abe on March 2 (ESPN+) at Turing Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.
“Kholmatov and Ford are deserving challengers for the WBA world title. That is a true 50/50 fight,” Top Rank chairman Bob Arum said. “Lopez believes he is the top featherweight in the world, and I know he’ll want to make a huge statement against a tough out in Abe.”
Kholmatov (11-0, 10 KOs), 25, a southpaw from Uzbekistan, and Ford (14-0-1, 7 KOs), 24, a southpaw from Camden, New Jersey, will fight for the 126-pound title vacated by Leigh Wood.
“This is the opportunity I have been waiting for, and I will be ready,” Kholmatov, said. “I have no doubt. On March 2, I will become the new WBA featherweight champion of the world.”
Top Rank won the Kholmatov-Ford purse bid for $317,500 — which will be split 50-50 between the fighters — to beat an offer of $255,555.55 made by Ford promoter Matchroom Boxing.
“I’ve been waiting so long for this fight, and I’m already tired of talking about it,” Ford said. “I’ve worked my whole life to put myself in position for this opportunity, and I will be leaving that ring on March 2 as a world champion.”
Lopez (29-2, 16 KOs), 30, of Mexico, stopped Michael Conlan and outpointed Joet Gonzalez in his first two defenses this year.
“My team and I are focused on Reiya Abe. We’ll be focused on obtaining the victory and making a statement in order to get a unification fight against whomever is available,” Lopez said.
Abe (25-3-1, 10 KOs), 30, a Japanese southpaw, earned the shot with a decision against former two-division titlist Kiko Martinez in April in a title eliminator that sent Martinez into retirement.
“I am traveling a long way to fulfill my dream of becoming champion of the world,” Abe said. “Lopez is a tough opponent, and I will give it my all to bring a world title home to Japan.”
Quick hits
Junior welterweight star Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs), who was rebuffed by lineal/WBO champion Teofimo Lopez for a February fight, has turned his attention to challenging newly crowned WBC titlist Devin Haney (31-0, 15 KOs), the former undisputed lightweight champion, who moved up and shut out Regis Prograis to take his belt on Dec. 9. “I’ve advised my team to contact team Haney to discuss and make the fight happen between Devin and I,” Garcia wrote on social media. “The ball is in your court Devin. I’ve made my move and I’m showing you and the boxing community that I’m committed to this fight.” Garcia bounced back from an April knockout loss to Gervonta Davis to stop Oscar Duarte in the eighth round on Dec. 2.
Boxlab Promotions announced it has signed 2020 Cuban Olympic heavyweight Dainier Pero (5-0, 3 KOs), 24, who won his first bout at the Tokyo Games before being eliminated by American Richard Torrez Jr. The 6-foot-5 Pero lives and trains in Las Vegas under Bob Santos. “In my 30-plus years in professional boxing, Dainier Pero is one of the most talented fighters I’ve come across,” Santos said. “He’s going to be a major player in the heavyweight division for years to come and I’m looking forward to the journey of helping him to the top.” Pero’s first bout of the new deal is planned for February, according to Boxlab promoter Amaury Piedra. “We believe the sky is the limit for this young heavyweight talent,” Piedra said.
Middleweight Nico Ali Walsh (9-1, 5 KOs), 23, of Las Vegas, the grandson of Muhammad Ali, rebounded from his first loss with a majority decision over Noel Lafargue (9-3-1, 3 KOs), 34, of France, on a WBA “KO Drugs” card Dec. 16 in Conakry, Guinea. Ali Walsh, who was in his first fight with renowned Cuban trainer Ismael Salas and his first bout outside the U.S., won 60-54 and 58-56 while one judge had it 58-56 for Lafargue. Ali Walsh was 0-1 with a no contest in his past two bouts, losing a six-round majority decision to Sona Akale in August, which was preceded by an eight-rounder against Danny Rosenberger in May that was ruled a split draw but changed to a no contest when Rosenberger tested positive for a banned substance.
Show and tell
By all accounts, the Riyadh Season organizers in Saudi Arabia have spared no expense when it has come to putting on boxing events. It was that way for the fight between lineal/WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and MMA star Francis Ngannou, who crossed over to boxing on Oct. 28 and dropped Fury in a debatable decision loss. It is similar this week for the massive “Day of Reckoning” pay-per-view that will take place on Saturday and surely will continue with the undisputed heavyweight title fight between Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on Feb. 17.
The Fury-Ngannou event, dubbed “Battle of the Baddest,” featured one of the fanciest tickets I have ever seen in my decades of collecting. The ticket was made of plastic (the seat location is printed on the back) and came with a fight-branded lanyard, both of which were inside a recessed cardboard box with a magnetic fold-out side to open it. I was very pleased to obtain one for my collection.
A note to subscribers
I sincerely appreciate your readership. If you’re reading, it means you love boxing just like I do. If you’ve been reading you also know the quality and quantity of what I produce. It’s one-stop shopping. Read the newsletters and there is no need to search multiple websites or click a multitude of links to get the latest news, opinion and detailed fight schedule. Everything you need is in one spot and delivered directly to your inbox (or via phone alert if you download for free the superb Substack app). You don’t have to hunt for the news; it comes to you.
I believe that is worth something, so while I will continue providing stories, notes and the schedule for free, I encourage you to upgrade to a paid subscription for the most content. A paid subscription is your way of keeping this reader-supported newsletter going and supporting independent journalism. I am beholden to no network, promoter, manager, sanctioning body or fighter. If you have read my work at all during the past 23 years I’ve covered professional boxing you know that I keep it real and that will not change.
To upgrade your subscription please go here:
Thank you so much for your support of Fight Freaks Unite!
Photos: Wilder: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing; Paul: Esther Lin/Most Valuable Promotions
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danrafael1/
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanRafael1
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanRafaelBoxing
I think Parker can cause the upset if he can stay away from wilders right hand that’s the big if, i think he will outbox him and he’s got a very good right hand as well,he is battle harden this is his fourth fight this year and wilder has not even a full rd in two years,Parker’s at good odds and I am putting my money on him