Prepare for a monumental spectacle at Riyadh's Kingdom Arena, as the highly anticipated "Day of Reckoning" unfolds. In the main event, the distinguished former world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, is set to engage in a riveting 12-round clash against the formidable Otto Wallin.
Esteemed as one of the pinnacles in the sport's history by the two-time world heavyweight champion, Joshua envisions triumph, fueled by the prospect of a potential showdown with the formidable Deontay Wilder, who also graces the event's lineup.
The lingering question is whether the vintage Anthony Joshua will emerge in Saudi Arabia, or if Otto Wallin can orchestrate the ultimate upset on December 23. The heavyweight showdown, along with a compelling undercard, will be broadcasted on DAZN PPV.
Wallin, boasting 14 knockout victories since his professional debut in 2013, nearly dethroned WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, showcasing remarkable resilience. Composed and assured at the pre-fight press conference, Wallin anticipates Joshua succumbing to the relentless pressure he plans to exert during the bout.
In Wallin's own words to talkSPORT via Boxing Social, "If he comes out to box, I’m the better boxer, and he’s going to get hit... I think it will be really interesting, a great fight. I have nothing to lose.”
Although Joshua is a two-time unified heavyweight champion, he hasn't held a title since Oleksandr Usyk's triumph in 2021. Riding a two-fight win streak and displaying a newfound aggression, Joshua aims for a 3-0 record in 2023, eyeing a return to the championship spotlight.
While victories over Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius this year showcased Joshua's resurgence, the challenge posed by Wallin adds an extra layer of complexity to this weekend's encounter.
For Joshua, this bout against the seasoned and formidable Wallin serves as a pivotal opportunity to reaffirm his standing on the international boxing stage and in the heavyweight division.
The stage is set for an unforgettable night, featuring the best in the division, excluding champions Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, all actively participating.
As the excitement builds, the headline event featuring Anthony Joshua and Otto Wallin is scheduled to kick off at 11:00 am ET, 8:00 am PT. The dynamic duo will make their way to the ring around 17:45 pm ET, 14:45 pm PT, promising a spectacle that resonates far beyond the confines of the Kingdom Arena.
Anthony Joshua vs. Wallin fight card
- Anthony Joshua vs. Otto Wallin
- Deontay Wilder vs. Joseph Parker
- Dmitry Bivol vs. Lyndon Arthur for the WBA light heavyweight title
- Jai Opetaia vs. Ellis Zorro for The Ring cruiserweight title
- Filip Hrgovic vs. Mark De Mori
- Daniel Dubois vs. Jarrell Miller
- Frank Sanchez vs. Junior Fa
- Arslanbek Makhmudov vs. Agit Kabayel