ANTHONY JOSHUA and Joseph Parker may have fought in a huge unification bout, but it was the referee who had everyone talking.

Italian Giuseppe Quartarone sent social media into meltdown as he was constantly breaking up the fight as soon as one fighter began to launch an onslaught of punishment.

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ANTHONY JOSHUA BEATS JOSEPH PARKER – ALL THE UPDATES FROM CARDIFF

• AJ unifies world titles as he defeats Kiwi Parker on points and sets sights on Deontay Wilder
• Wilder calls out Joshua after victory, saying he "100 per cent" wants the fight to happen
• Fans slate referee during main event as Italian constantly butts in to disrupt fight
• Dapper Gazza congratulates Joshua on unifying heavyweight division
• David Price is 'healthy and safe' after brutal KO defeat to Alexander Povetkin, according to Tony Bellew
• Tyson Fury calls AJ a 'bum' and says he's not even good enough to spar with the controversial heavyweight
• Boxing fans go wild at Joshua vs Parker they are filmed for Rocky spin-off Creed II
• Behind the ropes: Dickie Pelham's best snaps from a bumper night of boxing action
• Anthony Crolla beats Edson Ramirez despite nasty-looking gash to right eye
• Ryan Burnett holds off Yonfrez Parejo on points despite suspected broken hand

Quartarone - who had only refereed one world title fight prior to the contest at the Principality Stadium - looked out of his depth on the big stage.

Parker's camp were delighted when he was selected to officiate the fight, but the New Zealand star was regularly stopped when it looked as though he was troubling Joshua.

And the Kiwi ultimately lost his WBO strap as he was defeated on points against the 2012 Olympic gold medallist.

AJ cruised to a wide unanimous decision, with two judges scoring the fight 118-110, with the other viewing the bout at 119-109.

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Joshua immediately called out WBC champion Deontay Wilder in his post-fight interview as he looks to become the first undisputed heavyweight champ since Lennox Lewis.

The American was due to be a ringside commentator for the mega-bout, but ultimately stayed across the pond.

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Earlier on in the undercard, David Price was knocked out in the fifth round by Alexander Povetkin, with many praising his efforts despite being blown away by the Russian.

Here is some reaction from fans slating the Italian referee...