Anthony Joshua too strong in Saudi for Otto Wallin
Man on a mission Anthony Joshua (27-3, 24KO) secured his third victory this year with a strong showing in Saudi against Swedish southpaw Otto Wallin (26-2, 14KO).
AJ's stiff jab, explosive one-two's and strong straight rights to the body broke the Scandinavian down in just 15 minutes, forcing his corner to retire him befor the sixth round could start.
BBN asked their panel of experts for their reactions to the fight last night:
Eddie Hearn Matchroom Boxing promoter
"Great for boxing that Fury-Usyk is made. My god, give me Tyson Fury now! Please! There is absolutely no way Tyson Fury beats Anthony Joshua. No way, no way!
"But let's get behind Fury to beat Usyk. And let's get that fight made. That is the biggest fight of all-time, in the history of the sport."
Luke Campbell MBE World title contender
"I thought AJ was great. I rated Otto Wallin. I thought it was going to be a hard fight. So buzzing to see Joshua back flying again. I know he’s so dedicated and has put a hell of a lot into this, so I’m really happy for him."
Ace AdamUnbeaten super-middleweight
"I'd like to extend a huge thank you to all the boxers who showcased their incredible skills yesterday. They put their lives on the line for our entertainment, especially right before Christmas, which was truly remarkable. Their performances set a high standard for boxing excellence and excitement from the very beginning to the end.
"AJ performed admirably in his fight, executing exactly what was necessary for success.
"Overall, every fighter on the card delivered a fantastic performance, and they all deserve recognition for their tremendous efforts."
Matt MarshFormer British champion
"Anthony Joshua boxed well, looks very powerful still and looks hungry to get them world titles back. Great performance from Joshua."
Anthony Fowler Former WBA International champion
"The correct fight for Joshua next is [Zhilei] Zhang, but more than likely he will get the [Francis] Ngannou money fight."
Tim Rickson BBN Editor
"I predicted AJ to win by knockout, but thought it would come later between rounds 8-10, because I overrated Wallin's chin after going 12 rounds with Fury and Gassiev.
"AJ looked focused and strong last night. He was pushing that straight right to the body right through Wallin and I think just the second one that landed caused a big reaction from the Swede, so he was hurt within seconds of the fight starting.
"I don't think Wallin was very good last night, I've seen him fight a lot better than that, it was certainly an underpar performance from him, but you have to credit Joshua for part of that for his tactics to not allow him to get into rhythm and for dictating the pace and controlling the fight. AJ was also good at drawing him in and countering quickly whenever he opened up, punishing him for any attempts he made.
"It's great to see him back, because he had the confidence knocked out of him by Andy Ruiz, even though he evened the score. The KO loss made him gunshy and tentative, then the masterclass from Usyk in fight one, then losing to him a second time after trying everything he could to win just baffled him. He seemed lost for a while. But it looks like he's got his mind right now, which I'm pleased about.
"It sounds like Ben Davison and his group of fighters have been really good for AJ. Training at home, being close to the gym, close to his son and family might be better for him than relocating to Texas for a whole camp, so I'd like to see him stay with Davison.
"He's ambitious and he wants the titles back. I like his determination and willingness to fight anyone. After Wilder's passive, poor performance, for the first time ever I believe AJ can defeat him. He telegraphed that right hand and looks to have lost his killer instinct after all his soul searching and psychedelic tea! AJ should face him now while he's only 50%. Then there''s the trilogy fight with Usk to complete or the long-awaited mega showdown with Tyson Fury. What a way to complete his career with those fights, win, lose or draw."
Oskari Metz European title contender
"I thought Joshua would win, but he handled Wallin even better than I expected. It’s clear he’s getting more confident again, and I’m looking forward to seeing him in another big fight soon.
"As a Finn, I have to say Wallin vs. Helenius would make for a good Sweden vs. Finland fight now, if Helenius gets cleared of the PED case."
Burim Sylejmani German boxing promoter
"I think a lot of experts were wrong with their tips yesterday. Joshua surprised many. Just like Parker, Dubois and Kabayel. But that's boxing, which is good, it always remains exciting.
"It was a fantastic evening of boxing in Riyadh."
Marshall Kauffman Boxing Promoter
"Anthony Joshua is Back!!! For him to dominate Otto Wallin the way he did, then we must put him in the top 3."
Arijan Goricki IBO International title contender
"Fight was as I expected to be. I think that Joshua was better mentally then for previous fights."
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