Greatest Boxing

In the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Anthony Joshua reminded the world why he’s still a force in the heavyweight division, dispatching Sweden’s Otto Wallin in a brutal five-round encounter that left no doubt about his intentions to reclaim championship glory. From the opening bell, Joshua’s mission was clear: dominate, destroy, and deliver a message to the rest of the division.

Joshua, once known for his explosive knockout power, showcased a more refined approach—measured yet menacing. He stepped into the centre of the ring, commanding control with a steady jab, before unleashing devastating right crosses that began to wear down the Swedish southpaw early in the fight. Wallin, who once gave Tyson Fury a tough night, found himself completely outgunned by the resurgent Joshua.

As the rounds progressed, Joshua’s strategy became evident. He wasn’t just looking for a win; he was making a statement. A body shot in the first round sent a clear message to Wallin, and by the second, Joshua’s power had Wallin’s legs wobbling after a series of straight rights. Each punch seemed to carry the weight of Joshua’s ambition to return to the top, with the fifth round proving the most decisive. A thunderous right hand followed by a left hook sent Wallin stumbling, the Swede’s legs barely holding him up.

Wallin’s corner had seen enough. The onslaught from Joshua was relentless, and as the bell rang to end the fifth round, they made the decision to keep their man on the stool, preventing further damage. It was a tactical retreat in the face of overwhelming power and precision from Joshua.

In front of a mixed crowd that included UFC star Conor McGregor and football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, Joshua put on a clinic. The empty seats in the Kingdom Arena didn’t detract from the significance of the victory. Joshua’s performance was a clear signal to the heavyweight division—he’s not just back, but he’s smarter, more composed, and deadlier than ever.

Joshua’s post-fight comments were as focused as his performance making it clear that this was just another step toward reclaiming a world title. With the heavyweight division in flux and potential matchups on the horizon, including a possible showdown for the IBF title, Joshua’s crushing win over Wallin sets the stage for an exciting chapter in his storied career.

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Filed under: Heavyweight - @ December 23, 2023 11:59 pm

Tags: Anthony Joshua, Otto Wallin