The day after scoring a new goal, this time in Al Nassr’s 3-1 victory against Al Etiffaq in the Saudi First Division, Cristiano Ronaldo was witnessing a boxing evening at the Kingdom Arena de Riyadh which culminated in the victory of the British Anthony Joshua over the Swede Otto Wallin.
It was about “Day of reckoning”, a day that also included among the most notable fights the one in which the American Deontay Wilder had face to face in the ring, who was surprised by the New Zealander Joseph Parker.
Increasingly adapted to his new life in the Middle East, CR7 did not want to miss it. But he was not alone: to his side, in the first row of ringside, they sat Connor McGregor, the renowned Irish fighter, and Turki Alalshikhadvisor to the Royal Court of the Arab country.
In the images that were spread through social networks, the Portuguese star could be seen starring in an uncomfortable moment, between funny and intense, with McGregor, who made a joke related to the watch he was wearing.
Later, he seemed annoying when the fighter exchanged a few words with Alalshikh, dressed in the characteristic attire of that region.
The meeting between these two international sports stars, with millions of followers around the world, captivated the attention of those present in the stadium and also of those who followed from a distance. It quickly went viral on the networks and the “likes” and comments about it skyrocketed.
In the ring, Parker punished Wilder
New Zealander Joseph Parker defeated former American heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder on points, in a unanimous decision by the judges in Saudi Arabia.
Parker’s dominance was reflected in the three judges giving him the victory with scores of 118-111, 118-110, 120-108, in a fight that did not decide the title.
His victory could have scuppered an expected clash between Wilder and another former world heavyweight champion, Britain’s Anthony Joshua, who went on to beat Sweden’s Otto Wallin, in the evening’s main event in Riyadh.
Parker, who held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) title, looked very strong and skilled as he defeated Wilder, in the first fight in more than two years for the former World Boxing Council (WBC) champion.
Known for his strong punch, Wilder had three dramatic fights with the current WBC champion, Tyson Fury, with a draw in the first and two defeats.
The long period of inactivity seemed to take its toll on the 38-year-old “Bronze Bomber,” and his rival Parker landed clearer punches and several hard right hands.
The American recovered briefly in the eighth round but it did not reach him until the bell as Parker, 31, responded with several shocking blows, for a complete victory.
With information from Agencies