Heavyweight Boxing
Sundsvall, Sweden (December 1, 2023) - Anthony Joshua and Otto Wallin, poised as top heavyweight contenders on the brink, gear up for a pivotal collision set to unfold on the 'Day of Reckoning' card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, come December 23.
The stakes for this clash are enormous for both top heavyweight contenders, setting the course of their 2024 trajectories. Joshua's win would pave the way for a long-anticipated encounter with Deontay Wilder, a spectacle sought after by the boxing world for over 5 years. Conversely, a victory for Wallin could propel him into the realm of world title contention with a shot at the IBF title.
No stranger to formidable opposition, Wallin faced Tyson Fury in 2019, and gave a good account of himself losing a unanimous decision. His memorable performance, accentuated by a deep cut inflicted on Fury, demonstrated Wallin's grit and resilience.
However, as Wallin braces himself for the day of reckoning against Joshua, he remains cognizant of one glaring factor—the Brit's devastating punching power.
"I believe it's his punching power. He's a colossal figure with devastating striking ability, warranting utmost caution," Wallin shared with Vegasinsider.com.
"In a bout against him, you might seem to dominate, but one well-landed shot could alter the entire narrative. That's a factor I'll be wary of."
Acknowledging Joshua's recent knockout victory over Robert Helenius, Wallin notes a potential shift in Joshua's knockout ratio while anticipating the Brit's finest form during their impending clash.
This upcoming bout marks Joshua's third foray into the ring in 2023. However, a notable change sees Ben Davison stepping in as Joshua's cornerman, replacing Derrick James, signaling a strategic shift ahead of this pivotal match.
Check out the fight page here.