Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker date: UK start time, undercard and how to follow heavyweight clash in Saudi Arabia

04/12/2023 13:54

Deontay Wilder will take on Joseph Parker as part of one of boxing's biggest-ever events in Saudi Arabia this Christmas.

Wilder and Parker meet on a stacked card later this month that also features Anthony Joshua vs Otto Walin, Dmitry Bivol vs Lyndon Arthur and Daniel Dubois vs Jarrell Miller.

Wilder returns to the ring as part of the huge event

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The 'Bronze Bomber' was tipped to be taking on heavyweight rival AJ in his next fight, however despite them sharing the bill, he takes on former WBO champion Parker instead.

Wilder will be fighting for the first time since October 2022 when he knocked out Robert Helenius while Parker has been a lot more active, winning all three of his fights this year.

The winner of this bout is expected to take on the winner of Joshua vs Walin and Wilder's highly-anticipated meeting with the British star may finally happen in 2024.

Wilder vs Parker: Date and how to follow

This 12-round heavyweight fight will take place on Saturday, December 23.

It will be held at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as part of a boxing extravaganza.

Timings of each bout as well as the main event ringwalks are yet to be confirmed.

talkSPORT will be bang across fight week with live updates on fight night while talkSPORT.com will be running a live blog as well.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream. You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

The action will also be broadcast on DAZN PPV with pricing and other details to follow in due course.

Parker has won all of his last three fights since losing to Joe Joyce

Richard Pelham / The Sun

Wilder vs Parker: Undercard

Subject to change

Anthony Joshua vs Otto Walin
Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker
Daniel Dubois vs Jarrell Miller
Dmitry Bivol vs Lyndon Arthur – for WBA light heavyweight title
Jai Opetaia vs Ellis Zorro – for IBF cruiserweight title
Filip Hrgovic vs Mark de Mori
Arslanbek Makhmudov vs Agit Kabayel
Frank Sanchez vs Junior Fa

Wilder vs Parker: What has been said?

Wilder is taking on Parker despite fans calling for a bout against Joshua.

However, with both heavyweights publicly voicing their desire to fight in recent weeks, it has renewed hope that they will clash.

They now enter the ring on the same night and speaking at the announcement press conference, Wilder spoke directly to AJ.

The ‘Bronze Bomber’ said: “It’s good to be in the same room with him to see him face-to-face.

Wilder addressed Joshua at the press conference

“It’s been a long time coming, I wish you nothing but the best bro.

“And hopefully soon we can get it on in the ring to give the people what they want, once and for all.

“But I wish you nothing but the best – even if it doesn’t happen.

“But I believe it’s going to happen, I believe that it will, it’s about that time, but even if it don’t, I wish you nothing but the best, nothing less.”