Eddie Hearn predicts possible upset which could derail Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder

22/12/2023 13:00

Eddie Hearn thinks Joseph Parker is the fighter most likely to cause an upset during the Day of Reckoning.

The former WBO heavyweight champion will try to re-establish himself as a title contender when he takes on Deontay Wilder in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.

However, he is considered a big underdog heading into his fight with 'The Bronze Bomber', who has one eye on a mega-money clash with Anthony Joshua in 2024.

Otto Wallin – the man AJ will fight in the main event this weekend – is viewed by many as a potential banana skin, but the popular boxing promoter believes Wilder is much more likely to lose to Parker.

Defeat for either Joshua or Wilder could derail their plans for a hugely-anticipated bout next year.

"I think maybe Joseph Parker," Hearn told talkSPORT when asked to predict which Day of Reckoning fight could lead to a big upset.

"Wilder has been out of the ring for a long time, Joseph seems to really have his head on in training camp [and] he's coming off a decent performance.

"I don't really rate Deontay Wilder. I know it's a weird thing to say.

"I rate his power, but if you took his power away, Joseph Parker would beat him all day long. If Joseph can just use his feet, he can be a bit awkward.

"If he stands still and holds his feet, he really could be a sitting duck. If Andy Lee can get him moving and feinting, he will win rounds. If he can get five, six rounds [ahead], there's pressure on Wilder."

Hearn believes Wilder's ridiculous punching power is what makes him such a dangerous opponent for anyone, but is also what makes him susceptible to being outpointed.

He added: "You watch him on the pads, everything is just about power. He looks for it and looks for it and looks for it. But if it doesn't come, it's difficult to win rounds.

"He could lose to any heavyweight in the top 10, Wilder – but he could also beat any heavyweight in the top 10 because he has the power to turn your lights off with one punch.

"That's why he's exciting."

talkSPORT will bring you live radio commentary as Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder face a 'Day of Reckoning' in a historic boxing show in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.