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Anthony Joshua is set to continue his comeback with his third fight of 2023 and will be keen to get another victory tonight when he faces Swedish heavyweight Otto Wallin in the main event of the “Day of Reckoning” card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
After securing consecutive victories over Jermaine Franklin in April and Robert Helenius with a seventh-round knockout in August, Joshua is now gearing up to face a tough challenge in Wallin, who has proven himself as a formidable opponent, especially with his southpaw stance.
The only defeat on Wallin’s record to date came in 2019 against Tyson Fury, in between the Gypsy King’s first and second meetings with Wilder. Fury won by unanimous decision but the Swedish heavyweight certainly made it a harder night than expected for the lineal champ.
Joshua holds an impressive record of 26 victories and three losses, two of those defeats coming against unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. The British-Nigerian has proven that he has remarkable strength, technique, and unwavering determination and is the favourite to win this tricky tie.
Deontay Wilder has already lost to former WBO heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker by unanimous decision.
ROUND ONE
Joshua gets confident start
A confident start from Joshua who takes full control of the centre of the ring and looks to find his range with several jabs to the body.
The former two-time world champion looks light on his feet as he dances out of reach of a Wallin overhand right as the Swede stumbles.
The British-Nigerian finishes out the opening round by trying to find a looping hand of his own but is slightly caught on the counter at the bell.
ROUND TWO
Joshua makes Wallin bleed
Wallin looks nervous as he tries to pat away the Joshua jabs and get out of the way of the resulting straight rights after the feint.
However, Joshua lands with one of those straight rights and Wallin instantly wobbles off balance. He manages to get out of the way from any more trouble, but Joshua continues to control the fight
The red nose of Wallin drips blood as the round ends.
Wallin hasn’t been good enough to land anything to worry the 34-year-old.
ROUND THREE
Wallin bleeding from eye and nose
Wallin attempts a response after losing the first two rounds by advancing forwards behind his right-hand jab.
Joshua stays on the outside and looks for a counter right of his own through the guard.
A powerful one-two combination from the British-Nigerian has Wallin stumbling momentarily but the Swede quickly regains his balance.
Wallin is now cut by the right eye and Joshua continues his slow control punishing Wallin who still has a bloody nose.
ROUND FOUR
Joshua rocks Wallin
Wallin tries to counter with a left from another Joshua attack and it hits the top of the 34-year-old’s chest, but it doesn’t cause Joshua any noticeable problems.
Joshua then sends a lovely shot to the Wallin body. A jab, right around the defence and again Wallin has to take a step back as it lands nicely on his jaw sending him rocking.
Wallin is struggling to cope with the power of Joshua. Four rounds gone and Joshua has won them all.
ROUND FIVE
JOSHUA KO!!!
Joshua is looking like his old aggresive sef as he showcases some beautiful punch selections to the body and then the temple.
Wallin steps forward on a rare foray forward and is caught with a huge right hook that has him rocking.
Joshua hunts for a knockout finish with an uppercut before a right hook around the guard but Wallin almost survives.
The fight gets stopped as Wallin is looked over by his corner and the decision is made that he can’t continue!
JOSHUA IS BACK!!
