Anthony Joshua has won his third fight of 2023 with a TKO victory over 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 cruised to a fifth-round technical knockout win over Wallin, who had been expected to be a formidable opponent, especially with his southpaw stance.
The only defeat on Wallin’s record before Joshua 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 now holds an impressive record of 27 victories and three losses, with 24 knockout wins.
Wallin’s coach, Joey Garnache, stopped the fight as he didn’t want to his man suffer any more punishment.
It was a tremendous performance from the two-time heavyweight champion, who told his former rival Andy Ruiz after the fight, “I’m back, I’m back.”
In a post-fight interview, Joshua expressed his aspiration to achieve the remarkable feat of becoming a three-time world heavyweight boxing champion.
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.
