Whyte keeps world title dream alive with gritty win over Parker
LONDON: Briton Dillian Whyte’s once unlikely dream of a tilt at a world heavyweight title after a violent and troubled childhood moved a step closer on Saturday with a unanimous points win over New Zealand’s former world champion Joseph Parker.
Whyte, who has been defeated just once in his professional career in 2015 by present champion Anthony Joshua, withstood a late rally from Parker to win with the judges scoring it 113-112, 115-110, 114-111.
The 30-year- old Jamaica-born Whyte, who was shot and stabbed in his youth, will hope to move on to a bout with either Joshua or American Deontay Wilder.
Parker, suffering his second successive defeat — he lost to Joshua in March and with it his WBO belt — faces a tough battle to get back into the world title mix.
“I want to fight Joshua in a rematch (in April),” said Whyte, who is nicknamed ‘ The Body Snatcher’.
“We would be ready. I might be out again in October.
“I’m still so inexperienced and have so much to learn. There is still another 40 percent to come. It was a great fight, I love this man (Parker), we showed respect it was really good.” Parker was gracious in defeat. “I gave it my best, the better man won,” the 26-year- old told Sky. “It has been an amazing journey, but it is just the beginning.”
Parker went down in the second round and received a count, although it appeared it was due to a clash of heads rather than a punch from Whyte.
The Briton started to work his way into the bout from the fourth round, even if he swung some wild punches that met fresh air, as Parker tired.