British-Nigerian former heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua concluded 2023 on a high note with a commanding victory over Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia.
The fight took place on the same card as Deontay Wilder’s unexpected defeat to Joseph Parker, altering the anticipated matchup between Joshua and Wilder.
Joshua dominated Wallin, leading to the fight being halted by Wallin’s corner after the fifth round.
Meanwhile, in the preceding bout, Parker outboxed Wilder, securing a unanimous decision victory and disrupting the plans for a showdown between Joshua and Wilder.
Trained by Tyson Fury’s former coach Ben Davison, Joshua demonstrated focus and skill from the start, pressuring Wallin and delivering powerful combinations.
While bloodied, Wallin survived multiple rounds, but in the fifth round, Joshua unleashed a decisive right hand-left hook combination, prompting Wallin’s corner to withdraw him from the contest.
Looking ahead, Joshua’s options include a potential match against Filip Hrgovic for the IBF title or facing the winner of the upcoming clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury for the undisputed heavyweight world title.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, expressed confidence in Joshua’s current form, considering him the best heavyweight globally.
Hearn suggested Hrgovic as a likely next opponent, emphasizing the potential for a remarkable 2024 for Joshua.
Despite Wilder’s setback, Joshua remained open to a future bout, acknowledging Wilder’s resilience and expressing a willingness to engage in the matchup if the opportunity arises.
“I heard that Deontay lost. So what? He’ll be back. Deontay, everything that he said about me, I could rip him apart right now, but I’m going to take the higher ground.
“He can come back. If he wanted to, he can come back. I’m sure everyone still wants to see that fight.” Joshua remarked.
The boxing world awaits further developments in the dynamic heavyweight division as Joshua charts his course for the upcoming year.
