Anthony Joshua defeated Otto Wallin via TKO in the main event of the “Day of Reckoning” show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to win his third fight of 2023.
Joshua had already defeated Jermaine Franklin in April and Robert Helenius in August via seventh-round knockout. Wallin was predicted to be a tough opponent because of his southpaw stance, but Joshua easily defeated him in the fifth round via technical knockout.
Before Joshua, Wallin’s sole loss occurred in 2019 against Tyson Fury, which happened in between the Gypsy King’s first and second encounters with Wilder. Although Fury prevailed via majority decision, the Swedish heavyweight undoubtedly gave the lineal champion a tougher night than anticipated.
Joshua now holds an impressive record of 27 victories and three losses, with 24 knockout wins.
Joey Garnache, Wallin’s coach, broke up the fight because he didn’t want to see his player get any more punishment.
The two-time heavyweight champion delivered an incredible performance, telling former opponent Andy Ruiz following the bout, “I’m back, I’m back.”
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Joshua stated in a post-fight interview that he hoped to accomplish the extraordinary achievement of winning the heavyweight boxing world championship three times.
He emphasised that he will refrain from any celebrations until he has secured the title.
“One step at a time, every fight leads to the final destination. Keep on praying, working hard. I’m on a journey, stay focused, let’s see how far I can take it.
“I respect Otto, I know what he brings to the table, not a throwback, no, another day at the office,” he said.
In an earlier showdown, Joseph Parker emerged victorious over Deontay Wilder, a former world heavyweight champion.
Parker outclassed his opponent, ultimately securing a unanimous point decision win.
Parker’s complete control over the non-title fight was evident as all three judges unanimously scored the bout in favour of the New Zealander. The final scores stood at 118-111, 118-110, and 120-108.
“Everyone had other plans but this is God’s plan,” Parker said after the win.
