24 December 2023 , 00:38
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Anthony Joshua is now set to fight Filip Hrgovic for a world title after seeing his $100million deal with Deontay Wilder go up in smoke.
Joshua stopped Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night as he rolled back the years to produce a spiteful performance. But an hour earlier, Wilder had been outpointed by Joseph Parker to pull the plug on his two-fight agreement with Joshua for 2024.
As a result, Joshua now needs an opponent for his next fight and is likely to attempt to become a three-weight world champion. The four belts are expected to splinter after Tyson Fury meets Oleksandr Usyk in February; with Joshua and Hrgovic in line to contest the IBF strap.
Anthony Joshua celebrates victory (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)And Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed: "We signed for Wilder, he lost tonight. Maybe it's a blessing because AJ wants to become a three-time heavyweight world champion. It's gonna be AJ vs Hrgovic for the world title." Joshua, having already beaten Jermaine Franklin Jr by unanimous decision in April before sealing a seventh-round stoppage against Robert Helenius in August, cruised to a 27th professional career victory against Wallin.
Joshua has recorded three career losses so far – beaten by Andy Ruiz in 2019 before Oleksandr Usyk defeated him twice – while the Swedish southpaw Wallin had only one career loss to date against Tyson Fury. But Joshua came flying out of the blocks in Riyadh and inflicted damage on Wallin as early as the second round.
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Joshua landed a left hook to Walin’s head, followed by a thunderous right cross and a second quick right which left Wallin frazzled and with blood leaking from his right nostril. On to the third and Wallin’s patched-up nose was pouring again as Joshua landed another right. A strong left knocked Wallin off balance, and the former European champion was backed up on to the ropes and now with a cut to his right eye.
A steely-looking Joshua showed no sign of easing up in the fourth round as he landed a number of head and body shots on his opponent. A right hand skimmed the face of Wallin with Joshua looking comfortable and in control. In the fifth, Joshua was throwing menacing, calculated punches with Wallin offering little to nothing in attack. Then with just over one minute of the round remaining, Joshua unleashed a superb left hook to leave Wallin stumbling towards the ropes.
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Wallin managed to stay on his feet and see out the round, but the Swede’s corner said their fighter was unable to continue as Joshua celebrated a destructive 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. I am a gifted fighter who has a special gift and I am just searching for greatness.”
Reflecting on Wilder’s defeat, Joshua added: “I wasn’t watching. I focus on myself. I know how important this fight is for me. I heard Deontay lost but so what, he will come back. It shows this business is fine margins. Deontay, everything he has said about me, I could rip him apart right now, but I am going to take the higher ground and I hope he comes back.”
When it was suggested to him that his much-anticipated fight against Wilder could now be off the table, Joshua replied: “No. If he wants, he can come back and fight another day. It is up to him and I am sure everybody still wants to see that fight.”