Joshua v Wallin LIVE: Eddie Hearn casts doubt on Wilder fight in post-fight interview
‘AJ’ produced a stunning display to force a corner stoppage of Otto Wallin after a disastrous night for Deontay Wilder
Anthony Joshua shone at the Day of Reckoning in Saudi Arabia to breathe new life into his pursuit of a third world heavyweight title after victory over Otto Wallin.
On a bumper card in Riyadh, as the Gulf state continues its boxing revolution, Joshua stopped the Swede after five rounds, holding up his end of the bargain ahead of a bumper 2024 for the sport in the region.
But Deontay Wilder was upset by Joseph Parker, who was dominant over 12 rounds against the lacklustre American, whose future is now in major doubt.
Elsewhere on the card, pound-for-pound star Dmitry Bivol struggled to put away Briton Lyndon Arthur and was forced to settle for a points win to retain his WBA light-heavyweight title in anticipation of an undisputed title fight against the winner of Artur Beterbiev v Callum Smith. Daniel Dubois also impressed, outclassing the controversial Jarrell Miller to produce a spectacular stoppage to revitalise his career after a crushing defeat to Joe Joyce and a stoppage to Oleksandr Usyk. Follow all the latest reaction from Riyadh - plus get the latest tips and betting advice here.
Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker in heavyweight fight
Round 3
A first big right thrown by Wilder! It’s smothered by Parker, who continues to pop his jab out.
Wilder hesitant. Biding his time well into this third round. Now Parker with a looping right that misses as Wilder crouches and ties him up.
A double jab to the belly is setting up opportunities. It’s quiet in the arena, some drama could ignite it though.
Now a Parker jab backs Wilder up! It’s early, but this is not a good start.
Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker in heavyweight fight
Round 2
Parker encouraged by Lee between rounds there, showing Wilder some interesting angles and looks.
Now Wilder jumps in, a jab, a switch of stance, this looks like a fast, dangerous Wilder, relying on moments in this contest when he’ll land clean shots.
But Parker holds the centre of the ring, forcing Wilder to move. Parker in like a bull, slashing at the midsection of the Alabama fighter.
“Easy work,” says Andy Lee. Right hand, left uppercut, that’s the combination they want. Remember that for later on...
Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker fight in heavyweight contest
Round 1
Here we go! Major tension in the ring, can Parker avoid those bombs from Wilder?
Wilder on the back foot, Parker, crouching, bobbing up and down, changing the angles.
No punches landed through 90 seconds... Jabs only, but Wilder rocking back and forth, out of distance, and patient.
Parker pops a big right from range, the only notable punch of the round. The Kiwi takes it.
Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker up next
Now it’s Wilder, in a crown and black and gold robe.
The Bronze Bomber hopes to look menacing here before a super fight with Joshua next year, should the Briton win later tonight as well.
Sparks fly, wilder steps out, Wilder rapping to himself, cool and relaxed as he takes his time walking to the ring.
Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker up next
Here comes the New Zealander. Andy Lee follows the Kiwi as he walks to the ring.
Can he pull off the upset?
This should be fascinating, Wilder’s power is elusive, can he prove he’s as devastating as ever?
Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker up next
Here’s Andy Ruiz Jr, who fought Joseph Parker back in 2014.
“It’s a 50-50 fight!”
Is it, Andy? Many would disagree, as good as Parker has been in his career. Wilder is a heavy favourite with the bookmakers.
Dmitry Bivol beats Lyndon Arthur by UD in light-heavyweight title duel
That’ll do it, Bivol was more assertive in the final six minutes, but Arthur survived!
Bivol still teasing the fans a little, glimpses of a special performance to cut through to the casual market.
He has all the skill, but there’ll be frustration tonight, since the Canelo win, momentum has failed to snowball.
All three judges give it to Bivol: 120-107 x 3.
Dmitry Bivol meets Lyndon Arthur in light-heavyweight title duel
Round 12
Bivol unleashing a hellacious combination, Arthur trapped on the ropes. Bivol throwing straight shots, can he find an uppercut to penetrate this tight guard.
A first knockout in six years is close!
That slashing left to the body finally penetrated Arthur’s resistance. The referee was close to stopping this. Now 90 seconds for the Briton to walk away with some pride.
Dmitry Bivol meets Lyndon Arthur in light-heavyweight title duel
Round 11
There’s some real debate about Bivol, his style and quality. Could he offset some control and deliver more entertainment?
This fight has dragged, and Arthur is poised to go the distance with this pound-for-pound star. A 1/25 favourite, a huge stage, can he finish with a bang?
YES! Body shots shatter Arthur’s resistance, he goes DOWN!
This one comes to life with one round remaining.
Dmitry Bivol meets Lyndon Arthur in light-heavyweight title duel
Round one
Both fighters stand orthodox. Bivol applies pressure early. Lots of jabs from both men.
Bivol adds a decent right cross, with underdog Arthur backed up to the ropes. The Russian misses with a couple of left hooks now.
Still Bivol stalks the Briton. Well-timed left hook lands for him this time. Bivol blocks a pair of jabs at the end of the round, but he’ll still have felt those shots.
Round two
More forward pressure from Bivol, who sees a jab parried by Arthur but sneaks in his next effort.
Arthur fires back to try to gain some respect. Another jab snaps back Arthur’s head. Now Bivol ramps up the power, with a right cross and left hook which almost knocks the Briton off balance...
Bivol slows things down again, jabbing to the body before blocking a jab up top. Arthur has a brief spell on the front foot, but Bivol comes back with accuracy and volume!
Some great flashes from Bivol.
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