Anthony Joshua vows 'demolition job' over Otto Wallin as Deontay Wilder v Joseph Parker shares 'Day of Reckoning' bill

Anthony Joshua will fight Otto Wallin at the ‘Day of Reckoning’ in Saudi Arabia on December 23, while Deontay Wilder will take Joseph Parker on the same bill.

The fight will mark the British heavyweight’s return to the ring for the first time since a knockout win over Robert Helenius in London in August.

But 'AJ' fans will have to wait for a much-anticipated showdown with Wilder, who will fight Parker instead in Riyadh.

Wilder has not fought since his first-round knockout victory against Helenius in October 2022.

If both of the decorated heavyweights take victory, they could go head-to-head in the ring next year, and Wilder said during Wednesday's press conference that "hopefully soon we can get it on in the ring."

Joshua was fired up by the time the questions came his way at the event following `a fiery exchange with Jarrell Miller and his opponent Wallin's claim that Joshua "had his peak around 2018" and is now "on his way down."

“People talking about how I’ve peaked have never even seen a peak in their whole career," Joshua said.

“I’m looking forward to delivering my message to Otto Wallin on December 23.

“I can’t predict the future but I know where I want to go, I know what I want to do.

“I’m sticking to that plan. I set out a plan at the start of this year and I’m sticking to that.

"I’m a man of my word, I stand firm with what I believe, and I believe I’m going to be a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.

“My first step to that is putting on a demolition job against Otto Wallin.”

He added: “I’m determined to win and I’m determined to get back to my peak, if that’s what they want to call it.”

Two-time former unified heavyweight world champion Joshua, 34, holds a 26-3 career record in professional boxing, while his Swedish opponent Wallin is 26-1-1.

A potential future meeting with Wilder in the ring came up during the press conference, with the American open to a fight.

“It’s good to be in the same room with him [Joshua], to see him face to face," Wilder said.

"It’s been a long time coming. I wish you nothing but the best bro, but hopefully soon we can get it on in the ring and give the people what they want once and for all.

"I wish you nothing but the best, even if it doesn’t happen. But I believe it will, it’s about that time."

Former WBC heavyweight champion Wilder has lost two fights from 46 in his decorated career, both against Tyson Fury in 2020 and 2021, winning 43 and drawing one.

“It’s been a journey for me. I’m very excited to be here, what a magnificent card we have, so many warriors on this card. It’s overwhelming to be in the room with so many other fighters, some you’ve met in camp, some you’ve competed against, and some you’re looking forward to in the future to compete against," said Wilder.

“I’m ready to go. When people come to see heavyweight boxing, most of all they come to see a knockout.

“And one thing’s for sure, when I come that’s what I come to deliver.

“Come December 23, I’m on the same mission, to gain my title back and to unify the division, that’s my main goal."

New Zealander Parker was the WBO heavyweight champion from 2016 to 2018 and holds a 33-3 record, boasting a three-fight winning streak since losing to Joe Joyce in September 2022.

There is British interest on the undercard too, where Lyndon Arthur faces Dmitry Bivol for the WBA light heavyweight title and Ellis Zorro takes on IBF cruiserweight belt holder Jai Opetaia.

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