Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

Anthony Joshua vs Joseph Parker LIVE: Joshua claims unanimous win and calls out Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury

Follow live coverage as Joshua and Parker fight for the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight championships

Jack Austin
Principality Stadium
Saturday 31 March 2018 23:30 BST
Comments
Anthony Joshua v Joseph Parker: Tale of the tape

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

It’s finally time. Anthony Joshua tonight takes on Joseph Parker with no fewer than four world titles on the line.

Joshua's WBA (Super), IBF and IBO world titles will be on the line, as will Parker's WBO belt, in the first ever heavyweight unification fight to held in Britain.

Some 78,000 fans are expected at the Principality Stadium this evening, in Joshua’s third consecutive stadium fight.

Both men head into the contest as undefeated world champions, but Joshua is the overwhelming favourite to win, with lucrative contests against the likes of Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury awaiting the winner.

Follow live coverage of the evening below.

Please allow a moment for the live blog to load.

Round 11

The way I've been scoring it, only knockout will do for Parker so expect him to really go for it.

But he doesn't really and Joshua keeps him at distance. Parker keeps coming but the two get wrapped up and Joshua lands an uppercut and another jab. A left seems to wobble Parker but a body shot by the Kiwi immediately hurts AJ. What a finish to the round!

Jack Austin31 March 2018 23:34

12th and final round! 

Jack Austin31 March 2018 23:35

Round 12

Only a knockout will do for Parker. Joshua just needs to survive, keep his distance. A body shot from AJ wakes up the crowd and another jab draws more cheers but there is nothing more to capitalise on. 

AND THAT IS IT! 

Some boos from the crowd as Joshua is taken the distance for the first time in his career. I had Joshua as the winner but let's see what the judges have...

Jack Austin31 March 2018 23:39

and the winner is...

by unanimous decision....

Anthony Joshua!

The Brit takes the WBO to add to add to his WBA, IBF and IBO titles.

Jack Austin31 March 2018 23:40

So Joshua remains undefeated!

Here's what Luke Brown thought about it from ringside:

Jack Austin31 March 2018 23:43

"12 rounds baby, I thought that this was hard?"

Anthony Joshua is all smiles in the post match interview. He stresses it was all about fitness and finesse.

Oh, and being the unified heavyweight champion of the world.

"Forget the hype, I'm about business. So let's do business." Deontay Wilder this one is for you: "Let's go baby!"

Jack Austin31 March 2018 23:46

"No regrets."

Joseph Parker as gracious as ever in defeat. He wants another go at Joshua but thanks the fans in Cardiff.

Jack Austin31 March 2018 23:48

Is Joshua keen to conquer America?

"No. Let's bring them to London!"

Who do you want next?

"Wilder... Or Fury."

The fans love that, obviously. 

Jack Austin31 March 2018 23:50
Jack Austin1 April 2018 00:25
Jack Austin1 April 2018 00:25

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in