Wilder is finally starting to throw a few more punches, most of them bouncing off Parker's gloves but at least there's more aggression after cagey boxing so far.

He lunges late on and Parker responds, just missing with a sweeping right hand but connects with his next attempt before the bell goes as we pass the halfway point of a fight that is yet to really spark.

Image source, Matchroom

Barry Jones
Former world champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

That's five nil for Parker and he's the one landing with the bigger shots here.

Wilder is just not pulling the trigger yet. He's going to be in trouble here if he doesn't start worrying Parker.

Trainer Andy Lee to Joseph Parker at the end of the fifth: "He [Wilder] is breaking down. All you need to do is be alert then there's no danger."

Parker keeps up the aggression, closing down the distance that Wilder is craving.

Wilder bounces off the ropes as he moves out of the way of a quick burst by Parker. The American manages to avoid any telling hits in that round but he's still not throwing any of his own.

Image source, Matchroom

Barry Jones
Former world champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

Discipline is very important for Parker. He's having success and landed one right on the jaw and it hurt Wilder.

Let's just put those early rounds to shaking off some ring rust for Wilder, because Parker is ahead so far.

He's the aggressor again early in this round, lunging in with a straight right hand and Wilder's counter just fails to find its target.

Things are stepping up, however, with both bringing out some fast attacks and that gets the crowd going a bit.

Twenty seconds to go and a strong hit by Parker looks to stiffen Wilder's legs briefly. Good hit to finish the round off with.

Rob Elmore: "Is this behind closed doors? Can't hear any crowd noise."

Barry Jones
Former world champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

Is Wilder's timing off? Is he rusty? This is how he fights when he's active!

Image source, Matchroom

Wilder has been very cautious and just evades another fast right hand from Parker in the early stages of round three.

Wilder's power means he just needs that one big opportunity, however, and he's trying to get Parker to walk onto that powerful right hand, but Parker isn't taking the bait as yet.

Into the final few seconds and Parker lunges in, just misses and Wilder responds with a jab to the body. Three rounds in and there's a slight indication of things opening up a bit.

Barry Jones
Former world champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

Wilder doesn't have the technical prowess to dictate behind the jab and Parker is rightfully being cautious.

I like Parker's plan.

There's immediately a bit more tempo at the start of round two but it is Parker who continues to be the early aggressor, a right hand flying inches wide of Wilder's chin.

Wilder tries to find his range but Parker is keeping him at the sort of distance he can't do any damage just yet.

Wilder isn't taking his eyes off Parker as he continues to size up an opportunity but once again nothing is forthcoming.

The cagey start continues.

Image source, Matchroom

Stacey Copeland
Former Commonwealth champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

I would give that round to Parker just because he was on the front foot and landed the one eye-catching shot of the round.

A slow start to the round with the two sizing each other up.

Parker throws the first punch, which Wilder dodges, but Parker has success with his next attempt. It's nothing too much for Wilder to worry about as he continues to patrol the ring, looking for that first opportunity to land a telling blow.

It never comes, however, as the bell signals the end of a cagey opening round.

The two confident-looking former world champions touch gloves before the bell goes to get this heavyweight clash under way.

Barry Jones
Former world champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

Wilder looks focussed and slightly anxious. He knows what he has in his arsenal. Rusty or not, he knows what he's got.

Deontay Wilder has his crown removed before he climbs into the ring.

There's cheers as his robe is removed, but the atmosphere is still not quite befitting the quality of fights we have still to come tonight.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, BBC Sport

Knockout artist Deontay Wilder is looking to add Joseph Parker to the list of people who have felt the power.

Can the New Zealander overcome the odds?

Now here comes Deontay Wilder. It is a slightly measured stroll to ring, perhaps because he's trying to carefully balance the massive crown on his head.

It is quite something.

Image source, Matchroom

Kal Sajad
BBC Sport at Kingdom Arena, Riyadh

We're just minutes away from what is a pivotal moment in the heavyweight division.

Yet there there are ridiculous number of empty seats in the arena.

Image source, BBC Sport