Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua said there would be “no future” for him in the sport if he fails to beat Otto Wallin on Saturday. The 34-year-old Briton is attempting to regain the top of the division after two underwhelming defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, which left him at a career crossroads. Joshua has since won victories over Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius as he seeks to rebuild. But he has to defeat a determined southpaw challenger in Wallin in Saudi Arabia on what is being billed as a ‘Day of Reckoning.’
The pair are fighting on the same card as ex-WBC title holder Deontay Wilder, who is taking on Joseph Parker this weekend. A fight between the pair could happen if both get past their opponents in Riyadh, with Tyson Fury set to face Oleksandr Usyk in February. It is the third time Joshua has fought in the trillion-dollar kingdom, and he insists he will not slip up under pressure.
He said: “I haven’t lost any confidence, and I’m ready to win, but if I lose this fight, it will be game over. It’s my last chance to prove that I still belong at the highest level and am not finished yet.”
Joshua has been under intense scrutiny in recent months, with some questioning his dedication to the sport and others suggesting his best days are behind him. But he is adamant that he will bounce back from his latest setback.
The British boxer was confident at a pre-fight news conference, putting on a display that belied the constant speculation about his future. He was more composed than in previous events and even opened up the questions to the floor – which is not typical of a boxing press conference.
Hearn and Warren, who have traded numerous verbal barbs in the past, were both present for the event and shook hands – a move that could improve the chances of a Fury-Joshua fight in the future. The duo are promoting their respective fighters on the show, and despite their differences, they have put aside their issues to put together an intriguing night of elite boxing.
