Day Of Reckoning full fight card including Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder
Anthony Joshua headlines one of the most-stacked cards in boxing history this weekend when he takes on Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia.
The Kingdom's rulers have put their hands in their pockets once again to ensure they will still put on a show after Tyson Fury's clash with Oleksandr Usyk was pushed back from this weekend to February 17. And not content with putting Joshua at the top of the bill, they also convinced Deontay Wilder to return to action against Joseph Parker.
The Day of Reckoning card also features a light-heavyweight world title fight, one of the best cruiserweights in the world and handful of heavyweight contenders. Here is everything you need to know about Saturday's incredibly stacked card...
Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin
Joshua knows he can't afford to slip up against the tricky Swede but he's hardly chosen an easy opponent for what could be a crossroads fight in his career. Wallin gave Tyson Fury hell in 2019 and sent the Brit to hospital for stitches on a cut over his eye. Fury, who was not world champion at the time, went on to win on points before back-to-back wins over Wilder. Wallin has struggled to secure big fights since but did beat Murat Gassiev in September. Joshua, meanwhile, has won two fights this year but knows he faces a step up in quality compared to Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius.
Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker
Wilder has been out of the ring for 14 months since he blasted out Helenius inside. around in his first fight since losing to Fury for a second time. The hard-hitting American faced calls to quit after losing back-to-back fights to Fury but is plowing on and remains as dangerous as they come in the heavyweight division. He can set up either another world title fight or a clash with Joshua if he overcomes Parker. The New Zealander is also hoping for another shot at a world title but must win this weekend to keep that dream alive.
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Dmitrii Bivol vs Lyndon Arthur
Debate will rage over the best light-heavyweight in the world until Bivol fights Artur Beterbiev but we must keep waiting for that one. In the meantime, Arthur steps up for the toughest challenge of his career having won four fights in succession since he lost his rematch with Anthony Yarde in 2021.
Daniel Dubois vs Jarrell Miller
Daniel Dubois thought he had stopped Oleksandr Usyk in August when he dropped the world champion with a body shot - but it was ruled a low blow. Dubois struggled to regain his focus and was ultimately stopped himself as his first world title challenge ended in failure. Miller, meanwhile, is attempting to rebuild his reputation after being banned for taking drugs ahead of his doomed clash with Anthony Joshua in 2019. He ha since won four fights against limited opposition but questions remain over his conditioning.
Jai Opetaia vs Ellis Zorro
Opetaia should be defending his cruiserweight world title but the IBF refused his request to fight Ellis Zoro as a voluntary challenger. Opetaia has relinquished his belt after refusing to turn down the money on offer to fight in Saudi Arabia. Zorro now faces an uphill task without even the prospect of being crowned world champion.
Arslanbek Makhmudov vs Agit Kabayel
Makhmudov is one of the fiercest men in the heavyweight division with 17 knockouts from his 18 fights. Agit Kabayel is still undefeated but his best win might be against a disinterested Derek Chisora in 2017 and the 31-year-old is likely to be found wanting in this one.
Frank Sanchez vs Junior Fa
Sanchez is unbeaten in 23 but has struggled to kick on from a career-best win over Efe Ajagba two years ago. Fa will at least represent a step-up from his previous opponents with the New Zealander rebuilding his own career after successive defeats by Parker and Lucas Browne.
Filip Hrgovic vs Mark De Mori
De Mori may be familiar as the man stopped by David Haye in his comeback fight in 2016. He hasn't lost since but a look at his opposition suggests that means little. Hrgovic is in line for a shot at the IBF title once it is likely vacated after Fury takes on Oleksandr Usyk in February and he won't be kept from that by De Mori.
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