Joshua v Wallin LIVE: Eddie Hearn casts doubt on Wilder fight in post-fight interview
‘AJ’ produced a stunning display to force a corner stoppage of Otto Wallin after a disastrous night for Deontay Wilder
Anthony Joshua shone at the Day of Reckoning in Saudi Arabia to breathe new life into his pursuit of a third world heavyweight title after victory over Otto Wallin.
On a bumper card in Riyadh, as the Gulf state continues its boxing revolution, Joshua stopped the Swede after five rounds, holding up his end of the bargain ahead of a bumper 2024 for the sport in the region.
But Deontay Wilder was upset by Joseph Parker, who was dominant over 12 rounds against the lacklustre American, whose future is now in major doubt.
Elsewhere on the card, pound-for-pound star Dmitry Bivol struggled to put away Briton Lyndon Arthur and was forced to settle for a points win to retain his WBA light-heavyweight title in anticipation of an undisputed title fight against the winner of Artur Beterbiev v Callum Smith. Daniel Dubois also impressed, outclassing the controversial Jarrell Miller to produce a spectacular stoppage to revitalise his career after a crushing defeat to Joe Joyce and a stoppage to Oleksandr Usyk. Follow all the latest reaction from Riyadh - plus get the latest tips and betting advice here.
Dazn sound fails as Anthony Joshua’s fight against Otto Wallin starts
Dazn viewers were left frustrated as the streaming platform’s audio failed when Anthony Joshua’s fight with Otto Wallin began on Saturday.
Joshua boxed Wallin in Saudi Arabia, moments after Deontay Wilder suffered a devastating decision loss to Joseph Parker in the same ring.
And when the main event began in Riyadh, the audio failed on Dazn’s stream of the highly-anticipated fight, with the platform adding an on-screen notice that read: “Apologies for audio issues.”
Dazn sound fails as Anthony Joshua’s fight against Otto Wallin starts
The audio issue persisted throughout the first four rounds of the main-event bout
Anthony Joshua fights Otto Wallin in crunch heavyweight contest
Round 4
In three rounds, Joshua delivers a bloody nose and a cut to Wallin’s right eye. The tentative AJ is gone, there is aggression and purpose behind his work.
Wallin collapses in after another tidy combination from Joshua.
The snap to Joshua's jab! You can hear it cannon off the Swede’s face. Now Wallin backed into the corner. Joshua misses narrowly with a right from inside, it grazes the face of Wallin.
Todd Grisham says on commentary: “We want to apologise to those around the world who experienced audio issues, we’re back now, hope you’re enjoying the main event.”
Anthony Joshua fights Otto Wallin in crunch heavyweight contest
Round 3
Whipping hooks from AJ there, Wallin then takes a straight right.
A great scrap this, both men exchanging shots.
Wallin then staggered as he rides a mean right hand from Joshua.
Wallin now cut by the right eye, a dangerous area as he looks to lead off with the right hook.
Joshua pleased with his work after three. Punch of the fight? Maybe the straight right from Joshua to the body of Wallin.
Meanwhile, DAZN has completely lost sound for its broadcast, now three rounds in, fight fans are not too happy on social media.
Anthony Joshua fights Otto Wallin in crunch heavyweight contest
Round 2
Joshua with a lightning reaction there, the counter right lands, Wallin takes a jab flush too.
The southpaw stance is not confusing AJ in the slightest yet.
The Swede is then staggered by a partially blocked right from mid-range.
Joshua composed and has found a nice rhythm.
Anthony Joshua fights Otto Wallin in crunch heavyweight contest
Round 1
Joshua on the front foot and pawing the jab out as Wallin bounces off the ropes.
This is a relaxed AJ, for now, looking to dictate the tempo of the fight.
The pair exchange jabs, Wallin with the high guard, but the Joshua jab sneaks through.
And AJ loads up a big right, it’s a straight disguised as an uppercut. Great start from AJ, who looks very clear on the gameplan.
Anthony Joshua fights Otto Wallin in crunch heavyweight contest
Here comes Otto Wallin. But first... The national anthem of Saudi Arabia.
Wallin comes out to ABBA’s The Winner Takes It All.
Wallin looks composed, a little twirl and bounce as he steps through the ropes.
Joshua up next...
Anthony Joshua ready for Otto Wallin test
“I think Joshua gets him out, in six or seven rounds,” says Andy Ruiz Jr.
Bellew adds: “Joshua will be Joshua, he’ll find the moment. He needs to let his hands go.
“He’s been in with guys, wiping away the previous rounds, these knockouts, he’s got it in his locker.
“He doesn’t care who he’s in there with.”
Deontay Wilder hints at retirement after shock Joseph Parker loss
“My timing was off a little bit,” says Wilder. “Joseph did a great job. No excuses tonight, a good fight and we move on to the next thing.
“Stay calm and throw a couple of jabs and set up the right hand. Timing was off, he did a good job of avoiding and ducking.
“I felt I had the upper hand. [Talk of the Joshua fight was a distraction] a little bit, a lot of talk about a lot of different things. I’m a happy fighter. I’m a warrior, I’ll be back soon. And if not then, it’s been an enjoyment and a pleasure. I appreciate everybody for the love and support over the years.
“I’ve calmed down. I’ve done Ayahuasca, I’ve found a lot of happiness in my life. Win, lose or draw, I’ll wear my smile.”
Joseph Parker reacts to upsetting Deontay Wilder
“Just want to say a lot of respect for Wilder, we trained very hard for this, we had momentum,” says Parker.
“I was really fit, stay calm and relaxed. Focused for every minute of every round. People had plans, but this was God’s plan. Merry Christmas to us.
“A great finish to the year. I had to be aware at all times. He had a very hard right hand.
“Activity helped me massively, continuously in camp and not getting out of shape. This is massive, the toughest opponent I’ve faced.
“I’m back! I’m ready for anything and everything.”
Lacklustre Deontay Wilder stunned by Joseph Parker
118-111, 118-110, 120-108, all three scores to the winner by UD... JOSEPH PARKER!
Deontay Wilder is stunned in Riyadh, a huge upset, the American never got going.
A really disappointing performance from Wilder, that, a super fight with Joshua is surely off for the time being.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies