Anthony Joshua is now set to fight Filip Hrgovic for a world title after seeing his $100million deal with Deontay Wilder go up in smoke.
Joshua stopped Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night as he rolled back the years to produce a spiteful performance. But an hour earlier, Wilder had been outpointed by Joseph Parker to pull the plug on his two-fight agreement with Joshua for 2024.
As a result, Joshua now needs an opponent for his next fight and is likely to attempt to become a three-weight world champion. The four belts are expected to splinter after Tyson Fury meets Oleksandr Usyk in February; with Joshua and Hrgovic in line to contest the IBF strap.
Anthony Joshua celebrates victory as Referee Steve Gray announces him as winner following the Heavyweight fight between Anthony Joshua and Otto Wallin.
And Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed: “We signed for Wilder, he lost tonight. Maybe it’s a blessing because AJ wants to become a three-time heavyweight world champion. It’s gonna be AJ vs Hrgovic for the world title.” Joshua, having already beaten Jermaine Franklin Jr by unanimous decision in April before sealing a seventh-round stoppage against Robert Helenius in August, cruised to a 27th professional career victory against Wallin.
Joshua has recorded three career losses so far – beaten by Andy Ruiz in 2019 before Oleksandr Usyk defeated him twice – while the Swedish southpaw Wallin had only one career loss to date against Tyson Fury. But Joshua came flying out of the blocks in Riyadh and inflicted damage on Wallin as early as the second round.
Joshua landed a left hook to Walin’s head, followed by a thunderous right cross and a second quick right which left Wallin frazzled and with blood leaking from his right nostril.
On to the third and Wallin’s patched-up nose was pouring again as Joshua landed another right. A strong left knocked Wallin off balance, and the former European champion was backed up on to the ropes and now with a cut to his right eye.
