Deontay Wilder v Joshua Parker: American former world title holder returns in Saudi Arabia fight

Former WBO world champion Parker is arguably one of Wilder's toughest opponents to date. A fighter reinvigorated after linking up with trainer Andy Lee, scoring two impressive stoppage wins.

Parker and his team have been full of confidence in Riyadh, convinced they will cause the upset.

"I'm not here to get knocked out," Parker, 31, says. "Beat Wilder and the whole world is open."

For Wilder this is more than just a stepping stone. His plan is to dish "a little bit of payback" to Parker, blaming him for a unification contest, at a time when they were both champions, not happening.

"They never gave me the opportunity because I have a blessing and a curse in my right hand," he explains.

"Parker came to my fight, we talked about fighting and after I had a devastating knockout in my performance he ran from me.

"We never heard anything from him and next thing he's fighting another champion."

Wilder's says his motivation for continuing in the sport is to be involved in the biggest fights possible.

A deal to fight Joshua appears close, but Wilder is also targeting the winner of Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, who contest the undisputed heavyweight world title in February.

"This next phase is all about unifying - I never had [that] opportunity," Wilder adds.

"The second time around will be even more beautiful than the first time around. I can guarantee you that."

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