Anthony Joshua produced his best performance of the year with a stoppage victory over Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia.
The British boxer - who cruised to a 27th professional career victory - came flying out of the blocks in Riyadh on Saturday night (23 December) and hit Wallin hard in the second round.
With just over one minute of the fifth round remaining, Joshua unleashed a left hook to leave Wallin stumbling towards the ropes.
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The Swede’s corner said their fighter was unable to continue as Joshua celebrated the win.
Asked if this felt like this was a throwback fight, Joshua said: “Not a throwback fight, just another fight.
"I respect Otto and I was telling everyone in the build-up I need to focus on the man in front of me because of what he brings to the table. It was just another day in the office.
“[My approach] was victory by any means. This is a treacherous business. It is like snakes and ladders, one win takes you up the ladder and a defeat takes you all the way down so I just want to be victorious for as long as I can."
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The 34-year-old has now won all of his three fights in 2023, while his sights have been firmly set on taking on Deontay Wilder in the new year.
However, things didn't exactly go to plan for the American, who was the overwhelming favourite to beat Joseph Parker on the same card.
To the surprise of many, the New Zealander dominated the 'bronze bomber' and sealed a shock upset, with the judges scoring the one-sided bout in favour of Parker.
When asked if Wilder’s defeat was ‘the final nail in the coffin’ for their fight, Joshua told DAZN: "No, why would it? Look at Dubois this evening. He came back.
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"Keep on pushing, keep on striving, you can do anything and we can fight another day.
"I’m sure everyone wants to see that fight."
"I wasn’t watching," Joshua continued. "I just focused on myself. I know how important it was for me.
"I heard that Deontay lost.
"So what? He’ll be back. Deontay, everything that he said about me, I could rip him apart right now, but I’m going to take the higher ground."
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According to the Mirror, Wilder's defeat means that the $100 million payday that would have been coming for a fight with Joshua is now in jeopardy, or on hold at least.
AJ went on to praise Wallin, whose only professional defeat was by Tyson Fury in 2019.
"Otto is a true warrior. The corner play a huge role so their fighter can live to fight another day," Joshua said.
"I’m a gifted fighter and I use my gift. I’m searching for greatness."
Topics: Boxing, Sport, Anthony Joshua
Anish Vij