Joshua goes the distance before beating Parker in world heavyweight clash

Anthony Joshua was taken the distance for the first time in his professional career before winning a unanimous points decision in his world heavyweight title unification fight with Joseph Parker in Cardiff.

After 12 rounds, Britain's Joshua triumphed 118-110, 118-110, 119-109 on the three judges' scorecards.

Victory extended 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.

It also saw International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Association champion Joshua add Parker's World Boxing Organisation belt to his collection.

This result was New Zealand boxer Parker's first defeat in his 25-fight pro career.

Yesterday's contest in front of a 78,000 capacity crowd at the Principality Stadium was the first time two previously undefeated heavyweight champions had met for a world title in Britain.

Joshua's win should move him closer to a bout against Deontay Wilder, the American who holds the World Boxing Council's version of the heavyweight title.

Wilder had been due at ringside but didn't show and a confident Joshua, speaking to Sky Sports, after his win was confirmed, said: "I want Wilder... Get him in the ring and I'll knock him spark out."
"My strategy was to stick behind the jab and that secured me another world title belt."
- 'Finesse' -
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"This was a boxing match, not a fight. Parker said this would be war, I said this would be boxing finesse."
"He (Joshua) is a good big man and was better on the day. We'll be back."
- Wrap row -
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