Joseph Parker tore up the script with a lopsided points victory over Deontay Wilder. 

Despite all eyes being on a potential showdown between Wilder and Anthony Joshua next year, Parker produced a near punch-perfect display in Saudi Arabia. 

The former WBO heavyweight champ, 31, bossed the bout throughout and the judges scored it 118-111, 118-110 and 120-108 in his favour to leave his opponent's hopes of facing AJ in tatters. 

The delighted Kiwi said: "It was a dangerous, tough fight but we trained very hard for this. 

"Everyone had other plans, a lot of plans, but this was God's plan. 

"I was really fit. I stayed calm, stayed switched on for every round. Merry Christmas to us. 

"I had to be aware all the time. He did catch me a few times on the guard and it's very hard. If it landed clean it could have been a different story.

"This is massive and the best opponent I've ever faced. Tyson Fury gave us his time with sparring and was massively important.

"This was a great finish to the year. I'm back!"

Parker controlled the bout from the first bell and Wilder was left holding on for dear life in the eighth after a sustained attack.

He finally stirred in the 12th round but it was his opponent who continued to land the more telling shots. 

And it came as no surprise when Parker had his hand raised in victory after a fine performance. 

Wilder, 38, said: "Well done Joseph, he did a great job avoiding my punches. 

"We live to see another day and that is what it's all about. I just want to go home to my children."

Before Wilder and Parker locked horns, Daniel Dubois silenced Jarrell Miller by stopping him in the 10th and final round of their heavyweight contest. 

Dubois, 26, said: "It really mattered tonight. I had to dig deep. It was a great fight and I’m glad I came through it. I showed my heart.

"I always want to come forward and I'm learning new things every day. This is an important win for me. 

"I had to dig very deep. I knew I had to get out there and work. 

"I always look for the knockout. I showed I can take punishment and dish it out."

Speaking to TNT Sports, former undisputed world champ Lennox Lewis added: "It will do tremendous things for his confidence. 

"He used his jab very well. He learnt about himself that he can be in there with the big guys. All he has to do is work."