Wilder lost a wide decision on the scorecards against ParkerCredit: AFP

And Wilder has since revealed, in an interview with 78SPORTSTV, that he and Parker are now on friendly terms.

“Parker said he ain’t never had a six pack until he knew he was going to fight me,” Wilder said with a chuckle.

“He texted me and people don’t know that me and Parker have a relationship, he texts me.

“He told me thank you for the opportunity for the fight, what a great fight and I told him congratulations bro, I hope you enjoy the win with your family.

“We never had no beef with each other, we knew each other before all of this stuff, he’s such a nice man, he’s such a nice person.

“If I would lose coming back to somebody it would be him ten times over, a thousand times over because he’s just such a nice guy.”

Despite this loss, Wilder’s boxing career is not over, as he said after the defeat on Instagram: “We came out short tonight.

“You know what, I don’t know what happened, to be honest.

Parker hurt Wilder in round eightCredit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom

“My timing was off, and I didn’t throw my punches, I didn’t let my hands go like I was supposed to. Sometimes you get like that. But you live to see another fight. You live to see another moment.

“I’m still full of happiness, still full of joy, still full of smiles. Sorry if I let anyone down but we will be back though! That’s the thing about it.

“I thank you so much for the love and support I’ve got out here in Riyadh and from all my fans around the world. I appreciate you so much.

“This is not the end, and I will be back.”