Aurelia Butler

More stories

  • 213 Shares199 Views

    in Boxing

    Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker: UK start time, undercard, details REVEALED for huge Saudi event at Christmas

    DEONTAY WILDER will return to the ring to face Joseph Parker in Saudi Arabia next month.The two heavyweights will go head-to-head on a huge bill featuring Anthony Joshua, which is set to be a Christmas cracker in the Middle East.
    Deontay Wilder knocked out Robert Helenius in his last fightCredit: getty
    Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin – All the details you need for huge event
    Wilder hasn’t fought since he knocked out AJ’s latest victim, Robert Helenius, in October 2022.
    The bout was his first since his thrilling back-to-back defeats against Tyson Fury.
    Joseph Parker goes into the fight on the back of winning his last three fights since his loss to Brit Joe Joyce in September 2022.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    December’s card in Riyadh could set up another big-money fight in Saudi Arabia, with Wilder set to finally clash with Joshua in 2024.
    When is Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker?

    Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker will take place on Saturday, December 23.
    The fight will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
    Ring-walk times for the bout are to be confirmed, but Wilder vs Parker will be the co-main event.

    What TV channel is Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker on and can it be live streamed?

    TV and streaming details for the huge Saudi card are yet to be revealed.
    Check back at SunSport for all the latest details later this week.

    Full card
    Joshua vs Wallin will main event the huge card, but the rest of the event features some cracking fights.
    Most read in Boxing
    Daniel Dubois goes up against drug cheat Jarrell Miller, while light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol defends his title against Brit Lyndon Arthur.

    Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin
    Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker
    Daniel Dubois vs Jarrell Miller
    Dmitry Bivol vs Lyndon Arthur
    Jai Opetaia vs Ellis Zorro
    Filip Hrgovic vs Mark Di Mori
    Arslanbek Makhmudov vs Agit Kabayel
    Frank Sanchez vs Junior Fa More

  • 213 Shares139 Views

    in Boxing

    Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin confirmed on outrageous TRIPLE heavyweight card including Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker

    ANTHONY JOSHUA will top the bill of a Christmas cracker of short-notice Saudi fight card against Otto Wallin.Saudi boxing chiefs were set to host a historic undisputed heavyweight title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on December 23.
    Anthony Joshua will make his third outing of the year in Saudi Arabia on December 23Credit: PA
    AJ will face durable Swedish slugger Otto WallinCredit: GETTY
    Joshua and Wallin are former sparring partnersCredit: INSTAGRAM@OTTOWALLIN
    But Team Fury pulled the plug on the dust-up following The Gypsy King’s lacklustre display in his controversial win over former UFC heavyweight champ Francis Ngannou last month.
    Saudi boxing chiefs spent a pretty penny reserving December 23 for the undisputed fight and remained hellbent on holding a big event on the date following Fury’s withdrawal.
    And they’ve pulled an absolute rabbit from the hat with just over five weeks to go until fight night.
    Former two-time unified heavyweight champion Joshua will bid to continue his career revival against Swedish slugger Wallin.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    Wallin, 32, took Fury all the way in their September 2019 showdown but suffered a unanimous decision defeat.
    Joshua and Wallin are no strangers to one another having sparred several times.

    The clash of former sparring partners is just the tip of the incredible short-notice iceberg of a card put on by the Saudis.
    Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder will also be in action, making his return to the ring after 14 months on the sidelines.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    Deontay Wilder will make his long-awaited return to the ring on the stacked cardCredit: GETTY
    Former WBO champ Joseph Parker will be Wilder’s first assignment in 14 monthsCredit: GETTY
    He will meet another former champion in Joseph Parker, who will look to pick up his second win in The Kingdom in as many months.
    Two more Brits will also be in action in the Riyadh Rumble.
    Former interim WBA heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois will look to bounce back from his August defeat to Usyk against Jarrell Miller.
    Miller’s clash with Triple D will be his first major fight since he tested positive for a cocktail of performance-enhancing drugs ahead of his cancelled 2019 fight with AJ.
    Lyndon Arthur will also be in action after landing an unlikely crack at light-heavyweight gold.
    ‘King’ Arthur will bid to pull off an unlikely upset against Russian wrecking machine Dmitry Bivol and bring the WBA’s 175lbs title back to the UK.
    Heavyweight prospects Makhmudov and Hrgovic will bid to continue their respective climbs up the ranks with a win on the blockbuster card.
    Saudi boxing chiefs, and indeed fight fans around the world, will be hoping Joshua and Wilder get through their respective bouts.
    The duo were set to throw down next month before their long-awaited showdown collapsed.
    Brit Daniel Dubois will also be in action on the stacked cardCredit: GETTY
    Triple D will face disgraced heavyweight Jarrell MillerCredit: GETTY
    Lyndon Arthur will also be in action, facing dominant WBA 175bs champ Dmitry BivolCredit: GETTY
    But they’re undoubtedly trying to tee up a mouthwatering fight night face-off and multi-million-pound showdown by having them fight on the same card.
    The pair – who were on course for an undisputed showdown when they held all the heavyweight marbles five years ago – are set to go face-to-face with one another at a London press conference tonight.
    Joshua, 34, has seldom spoken about the prospect of finally getting his hands on the American
    Wilder, on the other hand, has been extremely vocal about wanting to knock out the Watford warrior.
    The Bronze Bomber told Blue Blood Sports TV: “I just don’t know what’s up with Joshua, bro.
    “Maybe I’m gonna have to go to England and sit down with him on some real man s***.
    “I don’t want him to feel like I have anything against him, but I know he’s afraid of me.
    Read More on The Sun
    “Joshua – me and you is the biggest fight in the world bro, what are you doing?
    “I really wanna talk to that dude.” More

  • 238 Shares99 Views

    in Boxing

    Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin LIVE announcement: Deontay Wilder added to bill as Saudi card confirmed for Dec 23

    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.
    BEST ONLINE CASINOS – DISCOVER TOP ONLINE CASINOS FOR BEST GAMING EXPERIENCE
    Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
    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 roomI 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. More

  • 263 Shares149 Views

    in Athletics

    GB runner banned for a year after using CAR to drive part of 50-mile ultra-marathon race – but still didn’t win

    BRITISH ultra-marathon runner Joasia Zakrzewski has been banned for one year after using a CAR for part of a race.Scot Zakrzewski, 47, finished third in the 2023 GB Ultras Manchester to Liverpool 50-mile race.
    Joasia Zakrzewski pictured with her race number at the GB Ultras Manchester to LiverpoolCredit: Facebook
    She insists she did not intentionally cheat but has been slapped with a one-year banCredit: Facebook
    But she was later disqualified and admitted to using her friend’s vehicle to cover part of the course.
    UK Athletics have subsequently found her guilty of breaching their code of conduct for senior athletes – slapping her with a 12-month ban.
    The runner, who finished 14th in the marathon at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, claimed she had suffered a leg injury at around halfway.
    She insists she was considering dropping out, but received encouragement to finish in a “non-competitive” manner.
    READ MORE IN SPORT
    One of her miles was clocked at just one minute and 40 seconds, with Zakrzewski estimated to have been in the car for around 2.5 miles of the course.
    After crossing the line, she accepted a third-place medal and wooden trophy.
    Zakrzewski, who denied deliberately cheating in the race, has subsequently admitted this was a “massive error”.
    A UK Athletics disciplinary panel rejected her reasoning and said her submission was “contrary to the evidence of the marshals, evidence which the respondent did not seek to challenge or contest, by way of cross-examination at the hearing”.
    Most read in Athletics
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    The statement went on to add: “Further, the claimant had collected the trophy at the end of the race, something which she should have not done if she was completing the race on a non-competitive basis.
    “She also did not seek to return the trophy in the week following the race.
    “Even if she was suffering from brain fog on the day of the race, she had a week following the race to realise her actions and return the trophy, which she did not do.
    “Finally, she posted about the race on social media, and this did not disclose that she had completed the race on a non-competitive basis.”
    Zakrzewski represented Scotland in the marathon at the 2014 Commonwealth GamesCredit: Alamy More

  • 200 Shares189 Views

    in Boxing

    Francis Ngannou surges to top 10 WBC heavyweight rankings after first pro fight against Tyson Fury

    FRANCIS NGANNOU has surged to tenth in the WBC world rankings following his exhibition bout with Tyson Fury.The Cameroonian almost provided the biggest shock in boxing history when he floored Fury in the third round of their ten round bout.
    Ngannou has surged to 10th in the WBC heavyweight rankingsCredit: AFP
    Ngannou very nearly shocked the world in his bout with FuryCredit: Reuters
    While Fury won the fight via split decision back in October, many felt Ngannou had the better of the WBC world champion.
    His entry into the WBC rankings means Fury’s belt would be on the line if the two were to rematch.
    Ngannou, 37, was a legendary figure in UFC and held the heavyweight belt until January this year.
    He was stripped of the title following a pay dispute with UFC head honcho Dana White, however.
    READ MORE ON BOXING
    That left the MMA star dispirited, given the UFC is the premium competition for MMA fighters.
    Ngannou’s incredible performance against Fury – as well as his official ranking in the WBC – has left the door open for the fighter to now pursue a career in boxing.
    Any rematch with Fury will have to wait, however, as the WBC champion is set to fight Oleksandr Usyk for the title of undisputed heavyweight champion.
    Fury is set to fight Usyk in February, although the bout has already been subject to repeated delay.
    Most read in Boxing

    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    On the subject of a rematch, Ngannou told TMZ: “I would be willing to wait [for Fury to fight Usyk].
    “I know that they are going to fight, they had a contract already, so they are going to fight sometime in February instead of December 23, which is my fault
    “I shouldn’t have cut him. He would’ve fought December 23, and maybe we would’ve run it back early next year.” More

  • 175 Shares199 Views

    in Boxing

    Anthony Joshua faced Otto Wallin TWICE before in the amateurs including cup final clash

    ANTHONY JOSHUA is set to face Otto Wallin next – but it’s not the first time he’s faced the Swede. AJ is looking to build on his KO win over Robert Helenius last time out, following his consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.
    Anthony Joshua’s next fight is against Otto WallinCredit: Alamy
    And AJ has faced him twice before in the amateurs including a cup final clashCredit: Instagram @ottowallin
    The British boxer, 34, fought Wallin twice before the pair made it to the professional circuit.
    The two clashes came in 2010 and 2011, with AJ coming out on top in both bouts on points.
    As an amateur, young Joshua defeated Wallin in the final of the 2010 Haringey Box Cup.
    He then claimed his second win over Wallin at the International Amateur Boxing Tournament and joined the GB Olympic squad shortly after.
    READ MORE BOXING NEWS
    But their relationship goes further than that.
    The Swede, 32, clearly made an impression on AJ, who drafted the southpaw in as a sparring partner before his IBF world title fight against Charles Martin in 2016.
    The two shared a picture together at the Sheffield Institute of Sport and the snap was shared on Wallin’s Instagram account.
    Since then, the Swedish heavyweight has won 26 fights of his 28 fights, with his only loss coming at hands of Tyson Fury.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    Wallin, ranked IBF No.2, is known for giving WBC champion Tyson Fury one of the biggest scares of his career back in 2019.
    His huge left hook left a gaping cut above Fury’s eye during their 12-round bout in Vegas, and Gypsy King required 47 stitches.
    Fury had to step up his attack, and worked his way into a points win.
    Wallin has won six on the spin since then, with some respectable names beaten, such as Murat Gassiev in his last fight in September.
    Having struggled with lefties in the past, however, Joshua will need to be on his A-game against Wallin if he wants to fight for a world title again.
    The fight will likely to take place on Saturday, December 23, with an announcement reportedly imminent.
    AJ will face the dangerous Swedish heavyweight Otto Wallin in DecemberCredit: Getty
    Here’s how the two stars match up More

  • 263 Shares179 Views

    in Boxing

    Elle Brooke calls out ‘weird’ porn star Lana Rhoades and reveals plot to conquer USA.. but fans say ‘leave her alone’

    ONLYFANS star and boxer Elle Brooke has called out porn star Lana Rhoades.The Onlyfans influencer, who recently appeared on Piers Morgan’s chat show went on to call out Lana Rhoades.
    Elle Brooke has confirmed her intention to return to the boxing ringCredit: https://www.instagram.com/thedumbledong/
    She had previously seemed intent on leaving the fighting gameCredit: Instagram / @thedumbledong
    She called out porn star Lana RhoadesCredit: Instagram @lanarhoades
    And said she had been acting weirdly of lateCredit: Instagram @lanarhoades
    She did so during an interview with Fred Talks Boxing.
    Elle said she is planning to fight on the first quarter of next year as she plans a return to boxing.
    That comes after she seemingly walked away from the fighting game in order to focus on commentating.
    But the money appears to be in the big fights so talk naturally turned to who Elle would next face in the ring.
    READ MORE ON ELLE BROOKE
    Freddie asked Elle if there were any influencers she would fight in America in order to “broaden her fan base”.
    Precedent has been set by fellow influencers such as KSI who fought Logan Paul in 2018 and 2019.
    The fight allowed the two to merge their two audiences and create the hugely successful Prime drink.
    Elle Brooke spoke of her prospective American opponents and said: “We’ll try and get Riley Reid, Lana Rhoades is a bit weird now so maybe we can rope her back to reality.”
    Most read in Boxing
    Rhoades has 16.1 million Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @lanarhoades
    The fight would no doubt raise the profile of Elle BrookeCredit: Getty
    Brooke is 3-1 in boxingCredit: Rex
    After Freddie said: “Lana’s cool…” Brooke responded by saying: “She’s a helmet…. She’s a bit strange…. So we’ll rake her in.”
    Fans in the comment section were not thrilled at the idea of the two going toe to toe.
    One fan commented: “I don’t want to see Lana Rhoades fight…”
    Another wrote: “Wtf, she’s a mum [Lana Rhoades]… Leave her alone.”
    While a third commented: “Both of y’all are weird tf.”
    Inside Elle’s glamorous life as influencer, boxer and OnlyFans star…
    Elle Brooke traded in OnlyFans for boxingCredit: PA
    Elle Brooke boasts 843k followersCredit: Instagram @thedumbledong
    She also showed fans a red outfitCredit: Instagram @thedumbledong
    Elle always embraces the seasons traditionsCredit: Instagram @thedumbledong

    Last week she posed in laceCredit: Instagram @thedumbledong
    She recently posed in a pink lingerieCredit: Instagram / @thedumbledong
    And also embraced yellowCredit: Instagram @thedumbledong
    Elle recently visited the USCredit: Instagram @thedumbledong
    Including visiting TexasCredit: https://www.instagram.com/thedumbledong/
    The influencer has posed for several photoshootsCredit: instagram More

  • 288 Shares99 Views

    in Boxing

    Wallin poses a huge threat to Joshua… whose idea was it for AJ to take on awkward southpaw who was robbed vs Fury?

    SAUDI ARABIA has thrown so much cash at Anthony Joshua he has forgotten what is fundamentally right and fundamentally left.After back-to-back defeats to southpaw genius Oleksandr Usyk, the 34-year-old London 2012 legend vowed to swerve lefties for the rest of his career.
    Anthony Joshua will step back into the ring on December 23Credit: Getty
    He will face the dangerous Swedish heavyweight Otto WallinCredit: Getty
    Rehabilitation wins over orthodox little’un Jermain Franklin and right-handed big gun Robert Helenius were the perfect stepping stones toward the single most right-handed heavyweight champion in history, Deontay Wilder.
    But, following a mega-money curveball from the desert kingdom, AJ is facing Otto Wallin on December 23 in Riyadh – a 6ft 5in talent who jabs with his right and whacks with his left.
    It is a large, risky and confusing lurch off the seemingly straightforward gravy train tracks.
    And now, with barely six weeks’ notice, he will leap back into the ring to face the respected 32-year-old.
    READ MORE IN BOXING
    Wallin has only one defeat on his record – to Tyson Fury – and that should have really been a shock upset win.
    In their 2019 Las Vegas bloodbath the former prison guard bashed a gash into Fury’s eye that – if he were not the celebrated, undefeated Gyspy King about to enter back-to-back fights with Deontay Wilder – would have cost him his first defeat, as well as the 47 stitches required to save his career.
    The following years were quiet for the much-avoided nice guy.
    But in August he once again took a big gamble, travelled to Turkey as the away fighter expected to lose, to fight Murat Gassiev.
    Most read in Boxing
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    Here’s how the two stars stack up
    Gassiev was a frightening Russian bulldozer who had only lost previously to Usyk over the distance but Wallin stunned him with a split decision that was generous to the beaten favourite.
    It begs the question: Whose idea was it for AJ to take on this awkward 17st southpaw who only people in the trade will really know and respect?
    The mainstream fans who Joshua won over emphatically with his rapid rise from Reading remand wing to Olympic golden boy, to unified world champion and national treasure, will be nonplussed by a win over the pale Swede.
    But if he were to suffer a devastating loss to an unfamiliar name outside casual fans’ checklist of bonafide heavyweight stars, there wouldn’t be a spare seat on the bandwagon to write him off – again.

    A far easier and more marketable fight would seem to be the one Daniel Dubois is having on the very same Riyadh show.
    Dynamite Dan is fighting America’s obese dope cheat Jarrell Miller who shot to fame on a reinforced winch for failing multiple tests in the build-up to his planned 2019 bout with AJ.
    Instead Andy Ruiz Jr was drafted in as a late replacement, disaster struck and Joshua’s career altered dramatically.
    A revenge mission against Miller would have spite and history and pride at stake.
    Read More on The Sun
    AJ standing over the infantile imbecile nicknamed ‘Big Baby’ would be sublime.
    Instead he has the very grown-up task of doing what Fury and Gassiev failed to do, in beating Wallin and looking perfect doing it.
    Otto Wallin gave Tyson Fury a huge scare when they fought back in 2019Credit: Getty More