Joshua dominates Wallin, Parker shocks Wilder in Saudi boxing event
British boxer Anthony Joshua delivered one of his best performances in years to stop Otto Wallin Saturday night in Riyadh. Joshua earned a technical knockout when Wallin's corner threw in the towel after five one-sided rounds.
The former heavyweight champion controlled the fight from the opening bell, repeatedly rocking Wallin with powerful combinations. After the beating accumulated, Wallin could not answer the bell for the 6th round.
"Just another day in the office," said Joshua, who won his third straight fight to revive his career. "I'm just a gifted fighter that has a special gift."
There were questions about what was next for Joshua after the bout. He was expected to face Deontay Wilder next if both won Saturday night. But in an upset, Wilder was dominated by Joseph Parker in a unanimous decision loss.
Parker appeared the superior fighter from start to finish, consistently beating Wilder to the punch. With his impressive victory, Parker positioned himself for a potential March clash with Joshua.
The card was intended to setup a path to an undisputed heavyweight title fight in 2023. But Parker shook up those plans by defeating Wilder convincingly. Either way, the winner of Joshua vs. Parker would be in line to challenge the Fury-Usyk victor this spring.