Anthony Joshua Stops Otto Wallin
Free from too many voices in his corner. Free even from the voices in his own head, Anthony Joshua turned in his best performance in years to stop the highly-ranked Swedish heavyweight Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night. With his latest trainer Ben Davison in his corner, we saw a return to the Joshua of old.
Wallin talked pre-fight about Joshua slipping in recent years. It was in truth, words spoken with hope. It was wishful thinking and his only chance of victory.
Joshua looked back to his aggressive best in ruthlessly stopping Wallin after five terribly one-sided rounds. Wallin was never in it and was wisely pulled out after being badly hurt in the 5th round.
The former two-time heavyweight champion of the world was positive from the get-go. They had fought twice in the amateur ranks and had previously sparred together. That familiarity must have told Joshua he had little to fear. And so it proved.
Joshua had an edge about him that has been missing in recent fights. He looked impressive and gives real hope that he has another heavyweight title run in him. With Deontay Wilder losing to Joseph Parker about 30 minutes before he entered the ring, the plans will now have to change. The target will now be a third run at the world heavyweight title. But regardless of who is next, Anthony Joshua is very much back in the mix.
Photo Credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
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