Former world boxing champions Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker have backed up their heavyweight title claims
Former world boxing champions Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker have backed up their heavyweight title claims in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Britain’s Joshua defeated Sweden’s Otto Wallin, who was taken out of the fight by his corner after the fifth round of a one-sided bout. Earlier, New Zealander Parker had won a unanimous points victory over former world champion Deontay Wilder (USA).
The fights were part of a sensational fight card in Riyadh. Under the motto “Day of Reckoning”, several fights took place on Saturday – including the fight of the German European heavyweight champion Agit Kabayel, who defeated the previously unbeaten Russian Arslanbek Makhmudov by technical knockout and put himself in position for a possible world championship fight.
More fights in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, which has been heavily criticized for the human rights situation in the country, pushed ahead with its sports-washing strategy with the spectacle of superlatives. The kingdom has been making headlines for years as the host of major sporting events and also has a keen interest and excellent chances of hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
On February 17, the big unification fight between WBC title holder Tyson Fury and WBA, IBF and WBO champion Alexander Usyk for the status of undisputed heavyweight world champion will also take place in Riyadh
After the fights on Saturday, a duel between the victorious Joshua and the defeated Wilder seems to have become less likely for the time being. There had previously been speculation that the winner of a possible Wilder-Joshua fight could face the winner of the fight between Fury and Usyk in February.
