Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua would be back in the ring this time to face Otto Wallin from Sweden.
For months, the talk had been about Joshua finally getting into the ring at some point in 2023 against former World Boxing Council (WBC) champion Deontay Wilder.
Joshua, 34, will now have to do it against Wallin on Saturday night at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as he set his sights on a clash with Wilder.
Going into Saturday’s right, the London 2012 Olympic champion has built some confidence with wins over Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius.
He recorded a devastating knockout win against Helenius but the hesitation shown during the previous six rounds will present cause for concern especially against a dangerous Wallin.
Wallin has had 27 fights with 26 wins with his only defeat coming against current WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who probably should have been pulled out mid-fight due to an horrendous cut.
The 33-year-old Swede has since rebuilt with wins over Dominic Breazeale and Murat Gassiev.
Wallin is taking confidence from Joshua now having Ben Davison – a former trainer of Fury – in his corner – and the Swede has, so far, been unflappable in the build-up.
That should not come as a surprise having already upset the odds to defeat Gassiev on points, but neither Fury or Gassiev possess the punching power of Joshua.
If he stays disciplined, yet remains proactive, Joshua could get a late stoppage or prevail on points, yet Wallin’s southpaw stance has the potential to make this fight tricky for Joshua.
Wallin has been in confident mood all week, promising to deliver an upset against Joshua who he lost to twice as an amateur.
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Speaking at Friday’s weigh-in, Joshua remains focused on the fight, noting that without defeating the Swede, he might not have a future in the sport.
“As I always say, let me focus on what I’ve got to focus on. Without Saturday night there is no future.
“Saturday night, as I’ve been saying all week, that’s been my main focus. Whatever happens in the ring, that’s where my heart is. I need to get this win.”
On his part, Wallin expressed confidence in seeing off Joshua.
“I’m a smart fighter. I’m a southpaw,” he said. “I trained for this moment for a very long time. I’m very much ready for it.
“Tomorrow (Saturday) there’s going to be a new king and he’s from Sweden.”
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