Anthony Joshua was taken the distance for the first time in his professional career yet prevailed to unify the world heavyweight titles in his defeat of Joseph Parker in Cardiff.
After 12 rounds, the judges scored the fight 118-110, 118-110, 119-109 in favour of the Nigerian born British boxer, Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua.
With the victory in Cardiff, the London 2012 Olympic champion’ perfect professional record to 21 wins from as many bouts but all of his previous successes had been by way of knockouts.
Joshua is now the custodian of the International Boxing Federation, World Boxing Association and the World Boxing Organisation belts.
The defeat by Joshua was New Zealand’s Joseph Parker first in his 25-fight pro career.
It was a packed crown in Cardiff as the 78,000 capacity Principality Stadium was filled up for the first time two previously undefeated heavyweight champions will meet for a world title in Britain.
Joshua had weighed in at 17st 4lbs (110.4kgs) on Friday, well down from a career high of 18st 2lbs (115.5) against Carlos Takam last time out, while Parker came in at 16st 12lbs (102.3).
For his victory, Joshua earned $21 million and Parker goes home with $10 million.
