The headlining fight of the event in Riyadh lasted five rounds
Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (27–3, 23 KOs) defeated Swedish heavyweight Otto Wallina (26–2, 11 KO) TKO in the fifth round in the final fight of the grand boxing evening in Saudi Arabia.
The Briton had a noticeable advantage and looked more convincing in each round. Wallin had a particularly hard time in the fifth round. Based on its results, it became clear that the Swede was unable to continue. The referee stopped the fight and AJ was awarded the victory by technical knockout.
For Joshua, this victory was the 27th in his professional career and the third in a row after losing his championship belts in a fight with Ukrainian Alexander Usik. Earlier in 2023, the British heavyweight defeated the American Jermaine Franklin (on points) and the Finn Robert Helenius (knockout).
Let us remind you that before the Joshua-Wallin fight, another headlining fight took place as part of the “Day of Reckoning” boxing evening in Riyadh. In it, New Zealander Joseph Parker sensationally but deservedly defeated former world champion Deontay Wilder by unanimous decision.
It was previously assumed that Joshua and Wilder could fight together in the spring of 2024 – however, provided that both defeat their opponents in Riyadh on December 23. It was reported that the boxers agreed on a fight on March 9. Now this fight is a big question mark.
📸 @anthonyjoshua ✨#JoshuaWallin #RiyadhSeason #DayOfReckoning pic.twitter.com/NXIExzexlr
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) December 23, 2023
Source: Sportarena

I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.