ANTHONY JOSHUA will return to the ring on December 23 to face Otto Wallin on a huge card in Saudi Arabia.
The epic bill will also include Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker as well as Brit Daniel Dubois taking on Jarrell Miller.
AJ is looking to continue his winning momentum following the last two triumphs against Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius after suffering back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.
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Riyadh line-up confirmed on lively night for Joshua
Anthony Joshua’s verbal clash with Jarrell Miller was the highlight – or lowlight – of the press confference as an epic eight-fight schedule for December 23 in Royadh was confirmed.
AJ will take on Otto Wallin while Deontay Wilder makes his ring return against a THIRD ex-world champion in Joseph Parker.
And former interim WBA king Daniel Dubois aims to shrug off his August defeat to Oleksandr Usyk when he faces Miller.
Anthony Joshua had an intriguing exchange with Otto Wallin but that was nothing compared to his encounter with Jarrell MillerCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun - Anthony Joshua-Otto Wallin
- Deontay Wilder-Joseph Parker
- Dmitry Bivol-Lyndon Arthur
- Jai Opetaia-Ellis Zorro
- Arslanbek Makhmudov-Agit Kabayel
- Frank Sanchez-Junior Fa
- Fillip Hrgovic-Mark Di Mori
- Daniel Dubois-Jarrell Miller
Fans stunned by AJ vs Miller clash
Fight fans reckon Anthony Joshua’s “hate” for Jarrell Miller shone through as the two clashed at the press conference for the eight-card night in Saudi Arabia on December 23.
Some viewers believe AJ must now take on Miller at some stage – even if it means changing his plans.
Joshua faces Otto Wallin in Riyadh while Miller meets Brit Daniel Dubois the same night.
One fan said: “Joshua really hates that guy” and another added: “He’s got to fight Miller after this.”
And viewers voiced their shock at tonight’s exchange, which Miller started with a verbal onslaught.
“Sheesh the AJ disrespect is crazy,” one argued.
“Miller is just a hype job, just talking with no real achievements, ” claimed another.”
But one fan believes Miller has touched a nerve as he posted: “He’s right tho. AJ has been scared of Wilder!!”
Miller the chiller wasn’t Joshing
The most brutal line from Jarrell Miller in his clash with Anthony Joshua was surely this.
“If you get in the ring with Wilder, you’ll be in your grave! If you fight me, you’ll go to the hospital.”
AJ responded with an F-word – and much more… repeatedly telling the American to “watch your mouth”.
Miller replied: “Kiss my a**e.”
AJ in long, pointed chat with Wallin
Fresh from his verbal sparring with Miller, Joshua had an extra long and extremely animated exchange with his December 23 opponent Wallin when they squared up for photos after the press conference.
AJ’s stern face contrasted at first with Wallin’s smiling, chatty persona.
But then the Brit appeared to be drawn into a more feisty encounter – as he joined in the conversation, occasionally pointing at the Swede.
The wise money might be on Wallin trying to capitalise on AJ possibly being unsettled by Miller.
Jarring exchange….
Here’s how Jarrell Miller looked as he spoke noticeably more brutally than anyone else in the press conference.
Especially with Anthony Joshua…
Credit: PA Group photo coming up..
That’s the official part of the press conference out of the way.
Next up is what could be an interesting group photo…
Joshua is smiling a bit more – suggesting he didn’t take his spicy exchange with Jarrell Miller quite as much to heart as it appeared.
But they’ve not looked at each other as they line up in what looks more like an annual school pic – because there are so many people in it.
‘Good to be in same room as AJ’
Deontay Wilder predicted he WILL fight Anthony Joshua.
The bout has long been tipped as an option for next year.
And Wilder said: “It’s good to finally see him in the same room
I wish him all the best. I believe it will happen.”‘People come to see knockouts’
Deontay Wilder is promising to give fight fans what he insists they most want to see in his blockbuster with Joseph Parker.
The American KO specialist said: “So many warriors on this card… very excited to be here.
“Most of all people come to see knockouts, and that’s for sure what I’ve come to deliver.
“It’s just like basketball – I can shoot twos, I can shoot threes, but people want a slam dunk.”
Wilder added of his world titles hopes: “To come back and finish what I started is going to mean everything to me.”
Joshua stunned by outburst?
It looked like Anthony Joshua still had his verbal clash with Jarrell Miller on his mind – judging by his expression for much of the time.
It’s possible of course he was pondering his crucial fight with Otto Wallin – but AJ’s relaxed demeanour demeanour from just a few minutes suddenly changed when Miller started taunting him.
Credit: PA
Joshua still looking furious
Sullen-faced Anthony Joshua still appears furious at an outburst from fellow heavyweight Jarrell Miller.
And rather than taking questions in the normal way, he is quizzed by his promoter Eddie Hearn.
Joshua also insists his best days are ahead of him.
He added: “I cant wait to get to my final destination. I’m fully focused on this fight and determined to get to my peak.”
Wallin delighted to get chance
Otto Wallin says Anthony Joshua “deserves a lot of respect” – but he’s confident of upsetting AJ.
‘Best chapter for Joshua still to come’
Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn believes the Brit’s best days lie ahead.
Hearn said: “There’s the best chapter yet in this story of Anthony Joshua.
“He wants to become world heavyweight champion again. I believe he can do it.”
And he added: “There’s another great fighter in Deontay Wilder and I look forward to that in 2024.”
Joshua clashes with Miller
Jarrell Miller has trash-talked Anthony Joshua – leading to an astonishing exchange between the two fighters.
AJ looked furious with Miller targeting him in an X-rated confrontation.
And amongst other things the Brit told him: “I’m gonna slap your arse.. watch your mouth.. or I’ll come over there..”
Dubois must prove doubters wrong
Frank Warren insists his man Daniel Dubois is poised to prove his doubters wrong.
Ahead of the clash with Jarrell Miller, Warren said: “It’s a tough fight. Daniel needs to show what he’s about.
“There’s been some doubts. We believe in him, he believes in him now he’s got to go out and show it.
“He’s got to show on this stage that he can do it. I’ve got faith.”
‘Jarrell one of the best in world’
Promoter Dmitry Salita of course bigs up his “explosive” outsider Jarrell Miller ahead of his clash with Daniel Dubois.
Salita said of controversial Miller: “He’s one of the best heavyweights in the world.. explosive, exciting.
“He’s hungry, he has a lot of power. His size is going to be the key.”
Here’s how it looks on the BIG screen…
As we wait to hear from the main men of the night, here’s how the line-up looks on screen at the press conference.
Now Daniel Dubois’ clash with Jarrell Miller is being discussed.
Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun Joshua so relaxed
We haven’t heard from Anthony Joshua yet – but his smile speaks volumes.
The Brit will be scooping mega millions when he takes on Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia.
Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun Lyndon is ‘best opponent in division’
Mancunian Lyndon Arthur says he is “excited to be a part of it” – the Riyadh card – as he prepares to challenge for Dmitry Bivol’s WBA light heavyweight belt.
For his part, Bivol described Arthur as the “best opponent in the division” he could face.
Walk on the Wilder side
We’ve heard from the promoters on what’s a huge stage full of fighters.
And perhaps the main with the most swagger as he walked in was Deontay Wilder, who will be taking on Joshua Parker.
Eddie Hearn is back on again, calling December 23 a “great opportunity for some many British fighters”.
Credit: Reuters Dubois looking the part
Daniel Dubois dressed like James Bond – as he hopes to show he’s the man with the golden hands against Jarrell Miller.
We’re now hearing from the fighters on the hopes for what many are hailing as an incredible card for Riyadh on December 23.
Credit: Getty ‘Change is refreshing’
Eddie Hearn joins in the praise for what seems an awesome card.
As Saudi Arabia continues its inroads into boxing the promoter told the press conference: “We all want the sport of boxing to grow.
“We want opportunities for our fighters.
This is the opportunity for something special. I’ve never seen a card like this before.”
Anthony Joshua made a relaxed entryCredit: PA
‘Best card world has ever seen’
Junior Fa, who will meet unbeaten Frank Sanchez, calls it “the best card the world has ever seen”.
And the New Zealander might need the best display of his life to shock Cuban opponent Sanchez.
Warren hails ‘huge opportunity’
Promoter Frank Warren thanks Saudi organisers for a “huge opportunity” – but also admits there was “huge pressure” to organise such an eight-fight schedule so quickly.
He added: “These are great fights. We are doing it for the fans because they are the ones who count.”
‘Rumours are true’
Anthony Joshua’s fight with Otto Wallin is confirmed.
And so is the rest of a hard-hitting heavyweight schedule.
Joshua’s bout is announced with the line: “For boxing fans following the rumours, we’ve got great news – it’s true.”
Joshua takes his seat
Eddie Hearn wears the biggest smile so far as he takes his seat.
Fellow promoter Frank Warren acknowledges the audience.
NOW JOSHUA IS BEING INTRODUCED – FOLLOWED BY WILDER.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
