Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin

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For weeks, boxing enthusiasts deliberated over whether the headline spot at Saudi Arabia's monumental Day of Reckoning should go to Anthony Joshua's bout with Otto Wallin or if it should be bestowed upon Deontay Wilder's showdown with Joseph Parker. Debates ensued over who between Joshua and Wilder holds greater drawing power, who is more likely to land a knockout blow, and which fight promises to be more competitive or potentially lead to an upset.

To diplomatically address these debates: Drawing power might vary based on location and audience demographics; despite Anthony Joshua's formidable prowess, his American counterpart may hold a slight edge in power; and while Otto Wallin boasts a neater record compared to Parker, the latter, as a former world champion, possesses a possibly stronger fighting history than the Swedish boxer. Consequently, Wilder might prevail—both in the probability of scoring a knockout and facing a potential upset from his opponent, peculiar as that may sound.

However, the decision to list Joshua vs. Wallin as the main event for Saturday's match can be justified by more nuanced and captivating factors than those previously discussed.

Primarily, there's the history between Joshua and Wallin. The British boxer faced the Swede twice during his amateur career, triumphing over him in 2010 and 2011. Each encounter lasted just three rounds, but the heavyweights crossed paths again as sparring partners in 2016.

The English boxer began his career strongly, boasting an impressive 22-0 record. However, in his last seven fights, he suffered three losses, bringing his overall record to 26-3.

Yet, despite these setbacks, he's currently on a two-win streak heading into the upcoming Saturday fight, hinting at a potential comeback. While he's often criticized for inconsistency and perceived mental vulnerabilities, his track record speaks for itself. His upcoming bout against Wallin, his third this year, appears to be his toughest challenge yet.

Otto Wallin, a determined Swedish fighter, adds complexity as a southpaw with an unorthodox style. He notably troubled Tyson Fury in 2019. With a record of 26-1-1, Wallin has won six consecutive fights since his loss to Fury. He's expected to apply immediate pressure on Joshua. While Joshua is a strong heavyweight, his fighting style has shifted from bold striking to a more cautious power boxing approach following his surprising loss to Andy Ruiz.

In the past, Fury tactically outperformed Wallin, landing significant blows to diminish his opponent's resolve. Joshua's explosive power and quick execution could prove beneficial against Wallin, who relies more on consistent output than sheer power. Wallin tends to gain momentum as the fight progresses, and his added motivation to secure a March 2024 showdown with Deontay Wilder indicates a heightened level of focus.