Day of Reckoning as it happened - Anthony Joshua defeats Otto Wallin, after Joseph Parker shocked Deontay Wilder

ByTNT Sports

Updated 24/12/2023 at 01:04 GMT

Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder headlined the Day of Reckoning card on December 23. Former two-time world heavyweight champion Joshua faced Otto Wallin in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, while former WBC title-holder Wilder met another former heavyweight champion, Joseph Parker live on TNT Sports Box Office.

Bunce feels Joshua’s right hand can take care of ‘any heavyweight on the planet’

How to watch Joshua, Wilder in Day of Reckoning in the UK on TV - LIVE

Day of Reckoning costs £19.99 in the UK and can be watched through TNT Sports Box Office.

Viewers wanting to watch the fight online should visit https://www.tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice and follow instructions to subscribe and watch on the web or on the TNT Sports Box Office App
Sky customers can purchase on channel 494 via their remote control or via https://www.sky.com/boxoffice/tnt-sports
Virgin Media TV customers in the UK: customers with a TiVo and/or V6 set-top-box should visit the On-Demand section and choose Live Events; customers with a Virgin TV 360 and/or Stream set-top-box should go to the Pay Per View Events rail
EE TV customers can go to channel 495 and pay using their remote control.
Customers in the Republic of Ireland can purchase through TNT Sports Box Office via Sky at https://www.sky.com/boxoffice/tnt-sports - €29.99 or €34.99 (on the day)

Boxing

'Fury will be chasing a ghost' - Usyk backed to win undisputed fight by Bellew

11 hours ago

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THANKS FOR FOLLOWING THE ACTION WITH US TONIGHT

It was another action-packed night of boxing. You can catch all the drama if you missed it by following the links above. That's it for the big fights for 2023 but we don't have to wait too long - less than two months in fact, until we are back in Saudi Arabia for Usyk-Fury. We can't wait.

WARREN: AJ STILL BEHIND FURY AND USYK

Eddie Hearn suggested the quality of Anthony Joshua's performance means he may be the number one heavyweight in the world, but Frank Warren believes he is still back in the field behind the duo who will meet for the world title in February.

"[Joshua] certainly is back, he put in a very good performance," Warren told TNT Sports. "He did very well. As regarding who's the best heavyweight in the world, we'll find that out on the 17th February in this arena when Tyson Fury's in the ring with Usyk.

On Deontay Wilder, like other onlookers, Warren found his performance disappointing.

"It was underwhelming - he wasn't at the races whatsoever. I gave him one round, maybe he got two, top whack. He just wasn't there. His timing was out. He wasn't throwing his punches."

LEWIS STILL BACKS FURY TO BEAT JOSHUA

"This fight would be a doozer," Lewis said.

"You've got two guys who hit really hard. I'm still putting Fury ahead because he's just a bigger guy.

"If he uses his weight and his reach and his body he should win."

LEWIS WANTS ZHANG FIGHT NEXT FOR JOSHUA

"I think it should be Zhang from China," Lennox Lewis said on TNT Sports.

"I think he should stay at a certain level. It would be a great fight for him. There's still a few guys wandering around but in this particular fight he did well.

"He's still got to go up against Tyson Fury if that fight's going to be made. I think that'll be a great fight for him."

LEWIS: 'TOO EARLY TO JUDGE IF AJ IS BACK'

Lennox Lewis brought a little caution to the talk about Anthony Joshua being back to his best.

"I couldn't really judge with this fight whether he was back or not," Lewis said on TNT Sports.

"He certainly looked good. He did what he had to do, what he was supposed to do. Go out there and take out a guy you've taken out in fights before.

"The guy didn't have any definition in his body, I don't know if he worked hard or was in training camp or whatever and I didn't see him throwing any punches that actually connected because AJ looked good after the fight like a movie star like he wasn't even in a fight.

"I think it does good for his mental state and everyone's state saying he's back but there's still a long road ahead and some hard fighters.

"I don't like him boxing old sparring partners, guys he's sparred with before. To me it says, 'oh he's going to win because we've seen him in sparring we've seen what his weakness is, we know he can't hurt us'. He needs to step up the pace a little bit more."

FRAMPTON: 'HE MADE A TRICKY FIGHTER LOOK ORDINARY'

Carl Frampton was very impressed with the performance of Anthony Joshua after he defeated Otto Wallin when the Swede refused to answer the bell for the sixth round.

"He made a tricky fighter look really, really ordinary," Frampton said on TNT Sports.

"He targeted the body really well. I thought that was little bits of the old AJ.

"He was calm in his approach as well. I think he was very good all-round."

HEARN: 'HRGOVIC NEXT FOR AJ'

Eddie Hearn suggested Filip Hrgovic will be Anthony Joshua's next opponent for the IBF World title.

The governing body have suggested they will declare their title vacant if the winner of Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk does not face Hrgovic - and signs are, they will fight a rematch - it is likely a meeting between the two would be for the world title.

It was a tough decision whether to go for the championship or go for Deontay Wilder," Hearn said on TNT Sports. "He lost tonight, that's okay, that happens in boxing but maybe that's a blessing because really this guy is about championships he wants to become a three-weight world champion and now Otto Wallin was number two in the division, it's going to be Hrgovic versus AJ for the world title.

"I'm so happy to see him smiling and looking well. He's a dangerous, dangerous man when he's in that kind of mood. Every heavyweight should be on notice. He's back."

JOSHUA: 'I'M GONNA TAKE THE HIGHER GROUND'

Anthony Joshua neglected to throw shade at Deontay Wilder after their potential match-up was thrown asunder by the American losing to Joseph Parker earlier in the night and insisted the bout could still go ahead in the future.

"I could rip him for all the things he's said about me but I'll take the higher ground," Joshua said.

"I heard Deontay lost, so what he can come back ... look at Dubois this evening.

"If he wants he can fight another day."

"I'm sure everyone still wants to see that fight."

JOSHUA WINS AFTER WALLIN'S CORNER PULL THEIR MAN OUT OF FIGHT

They do not let him go out for the sixth round. What a performance this is from Joshua. His best for five years.

JOSHUA-WALLIN: ROUND 5

A few big right hands to the body had Wallin gasping for air early and then a huge right hand, left hook combination had Wallin wobbling against the ropes and it seemed like the end was nigh. Blood is flowing down the front of Wallin's nose now

JOSHUA-WALLIN: ROUND 4

All Joshua again. This time he corners Wallin a few times, with the referee warning the Swede not to duck too low in the corner. The jab, drawing the lead, then throwing right hand is not far away from landing.

JOSHUA-WALLIN: ROUND 3

Joshua very confident in there. You get the feeling having sparred Wallin he knows he can't hurt him. He is showing no hesitation throwing and landing straight right hands and a left hook wobbled Wallin.

JOSHUA-WALLIN: ROUND 2

Joshua again the more aggressive, controlling the fight with his superior footwork. Wallin landed a couple of southpaw right leads but took a right hand counter from the second which bloodied the Swede's nose

JOSHUA-WALLIN: ROUND 1

Joshua going early to the body with his right hand off his left jab and seemed to cause some discomfort with the third such punch he landed. Wallin showing little adventure. A good opener for AJ.

JOSHUA-WALLIN MOMENTS AWAY

Former two-time champion Joshua (26-3, 23 KOs) takes on Wallin 26-1 (14 KOs).

JOSHUA IN THE RING NOW

He looks composed and confident if I'm any judge.

WALLIN MAKES HIS WAY TO THE RING...

He is accompanied by the aptly titled, if mournful, "Winner takes it all", by his compatriots Abba.

2316 - MICHAEL BUFFER SET TO INTRODUCE FIGHTERS...

HEARN: 'NOW YOU'RE GOING TO SEE A REAL HEAVYWEIGHT'

Anthony Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn "I'm just going to go and vomit", after the defeat ruined plans for a fight with Deontay Wilder.

"I've said before I don't rate him," Hearn said on TNT Sports. "Joseph did everything right, he won 120-108, he won every round and he [Joshua] is there in front of the referee at the end putting his hand up like I've won the fight. He's not right.

"It was the most one-sided heavyweight fight I've seen. It's ruined our plans. We've got to go and win now. We've got to go into the dressing room and let Anthony Joshua know."

He ruled out the possibility this affects Joshua's performance.

"The TV's not on in the room, they're preparing for Otto Wallin. Now you're going to see what a real heavyweight looks like.

"What I think in this mood is the best heavyweight in the world - leagues above Deontay Wilder."

LEWIS: 'I WAS SURPRISED BY WILDER'

"I was surprised with Deontay," Lennox Lewis said on TNT Sports. "Everyone was waiting for the right hand but it didn't come and when it did come everyone in the world could see it coming.

"If you can't knock somebody out you need to be able to box and he didn't do the boxing that was needed to win that fight.

'Didn't do what was needed' - Lewis 'surprised' by Wilder's display

PARKER: "I'M BACK!"

"Everyone had other plans, but this was God's plan," Parker said on TNT Sports.

"My plan was to stay calm and stay relaxed. Today we got the win and Merry Christmas to us.

"Maybe inactivity can play a big part. He landed a few times with a right hand and if he landed clean that might have been different."

'Appreciate it a lot' - Parker admits Fury was 'massive help' in preparation for Wilder

PARKER WINS BY WIDE UNANIMOUS DECISION

He took the bout by scores of 118-111, 118-110 and 120-108.

WILDER-PARKER: ROUND 12

The three exchange right hands at the start of the round and he landed a good right hand flush for one of the first times in the fight and then another one midway through the round. Parker kept on throwing inbetween holding Wilder as well he might have done. The Kiwi then landed a huge right hand with thirty seconds remaining but Wilder took it well. The best round of the fight and maybe Wilder took that but too little, too late.

WILDER-PARKER: ROUND 11

There is no urgency about Wilder's work. Again it was Parker throwing more right hands. Body shots rock Wilder off his stance midway through the round. Even when Wilder threw shots they missed by a long distance. Parker just needs to last the final three minutes to win the fight.

WILDER-PARKER: ROUND 10

Parker is slowing down a little but no sign yet that Wilder will use this advantage to land that big right hand. "He needs to get over the front foot and get aggressive," Buncey says. Richie Woodhall has Parker five rounds in front.

WILDER-PARKER: ROUND 9

Parker could not wobble Wilder in this round but still had command, though it appeared Wilder's head had cleared by the second half of the round and normal service resumed with him poking a jab out at air from range and Parker waiting before launching attacks.

WILDER-PARKER: ROUND 8

Wow! What a round. Parker landed a huge right hand which had Wilder teetering over the ropes. The New Zealander followed up with a blitz of right and left haymakers and many referees might have stopped the fight, but somehow Wilder survived.

WILDER-PARKER: ROUND 7

A quieter round but Parker's round as he threw more shots and Wilder went back into his shell.

WILDER-PARKER: ROUND 6

The best round of the fight so far. Wilder landing a few right hands, but not overly hurting Parker with them. Parker still had moments including a big right hand in the closing stages.

WILDER-PARKER: ROUND 5

Parker growing in confidence and lands with another left hook in close. He is not fearing the right hand it seems. Wilder's timing is off when he looks to counter Parker's shots.

WILDER-PARKER: ROUND 4

Parker lands a big right hand on Wilder's chin and the American was inches away from landing one of his own. Parker also landed a one-two on Wilder on the ropes shortly afterwards and then in the last 30 seconds a left hook by Parker seemed to wobble Wilder.

WILDER-PARKER: ROUND 3

Better round for Wilder landing a couple of jabs and right hand, if not cleanly as Parker came inside. Wilder also landed with an uppercut inside as well, but was also forced back with a strong jab from Parker.

WILDER-PARKER: ROUND 2

Far from the 'Bombs away' fight we thought we would get so far. Again Parker was the slightly more aggressive fighter and scored a glancing shot with a wild right hand.

WILDER-PARKER: ROUND 1

Very cagey opener. If anything you would have to give it to Parker because at least he threw shots. There was nothing coming back from Wilder.

2202: WILDER-PARKER IS UNDERWAY...

2156: WILDER IS NOW ON HIS WAY TO THE RING...

He is wearing a crown and flamboyant dressing gown.

2153: IT IS NOW SHOW TIME...

Michael Buffer has the mic and Joseph Parker is on his way to the ring.

2145: UP NEXT...WILDER-PARKER

Everyone is talking about Wilder-Joshua in the New Year but Parker is confident of causing an upset and believes his 38-year-old opponent may have ring rust.

'I've been working hard' - Parker in 'best shape ever' ahead of Wilder fight

LEWIS: 'AMATEUR WINS SHOULD GIVE JOSHUA CONFIDENCE'

We have just two fights left and the last one, of course, sees Anthony Joshua face Otto Wallin.

Joshua met the Swede twice as an amateur before he won the Olympics in 2012, winning both contests and Britain's best ever heavyweight Lennox Lewis feels this should help his countryman when they meet tonight.

"If he's beaten the guy twice, that has to give him that mental strength," Lewis said on TNT Sports. "He knows he's faster than this guy, stronger than this guy and the better boxer."

How to watch Joshua, Wilder in Day of Reckoning in the UK on TV - LIVE

Day of Reckoning costs £19.99 in the UK and can be watched through TNT Sports Box Office.

Viewers wanting to watch the fight online should visit https://www.tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice and follow instructions to subscribe and watch on the web or on the TNT Sports Box Office App
Sky customers can purchase on channel 494 via their remote control or via https://www.sky.com/boxoffice/tnt-sports
Virgin Media TV customers in the UK: customers with a TiVo and/or V6 set-top-box should visit the On-Demand section and choose Live Events; customers with a Virgin TV 360 and/or Stream set-top-box should go to the Pay Per View Events rail
EE TV customers can go to channel 495 and pay using their remote control.
Customers in the Republic of Ireland can purchase through TNT Sports Box Office via Sky at https://www.sky.com/boxoffice/tnt-sports - €29.99 or €34.99 (on the day)

BIVOL: 'I WANT WINNER OF BETERBIEV AND SMITH'

"Now I see my way to my goal to be undisputed," Bivol said on TNT Sports. "Against the winner of Beterbiev and Smith."

BIVOL WINS THE FIGHT BY UNANIMOUS DECISION

All three scorecards were in the Russian fighter's favour by 120-107. He is still the WBA Light-Heavyweight super champion and adds the IBO title to his collection.

BIVOL-ARTHUR: ROUND 12

Arthur began throwing more shots, landing body shots off his jab but Bivol still landed more jabs forcing the Brit back towards the end of the round and landing hurtful body shots. Arthur fought back off the ropes and saw the final bell as he deserved to. Probably a shut-out win for Bivol but Arthur gets credit for this performance after taking the bout at short notice.

BIVOL-ARTHUR: ROUND 11

Bivol throws left jabs and work his left hook off it and straight rights too. Bivol began mixing up shots to the body and forced Arthur to take a knee at the end of the round.

BIVOL-ARTHUR: ROUND 10

The punch stats show Bivol has landed double the number of shots Arthur has. Once more the Brit was mostly on the back foot eating jabs and could not get into range to attack the body. In the last minute he was trapped on the ropes.

BIVOL-ARTHUR: ROUND 9

Arthur wants to go for the body, looking to attack there off the jab, but Bivol's defence is difficult to get through consistently. He has not won a round yet but at least Arthur knows he can trouble his opponent a little.

BIVOL-ARTHUR: ROUND 8

Bivol landing with his left jab increasingly as the round went on, but he was shaken a little with a right to the body from Arthur and then again with a left hook. He has to channel Ricky Hatton and attack there.

BIVOL-ARTHUR: ROUND 7

It felt Bivol landed a bit more in this round breaking down the defence of Arthur. The Mancunian does seem to be getting his attention when he lands to the body but it is difficult to get opening to do so.

BIVOL-ARTHUR: ROUND 6

The same again in the main. On a couple of occasions Arthur pushed back his opponent and threw a right hand, but for most of the round it was Bivol feeling out his opponent with jabs then throwing when in range.

BIVOL-ARTHUR: ROUND 5

In the main Arthur is doing enough to stop Bivol landing hurtful blows but needs to do more to work off his jab if he is to give his opponent problems. A shut out so far.

BIVOL-ARTHUR: ROUND 4

It is all Bivol. Just unrelenting with his footwork and throwing shots at steady intervals, never giving Arthur a chance to settle.

BIVOL-ARTHUR: ROUND 3

Bivol just lining Arthur up with his left hand to measure the distance and then crash threw with a right hand and left hook. Arthur recovered though and ended the round with his composure intact. That said, it looks a huge uphill struggle at present.

BIVOL-ARTHUR: ROUND 2

Bivol lands with straight left and right hands which rock Arthur on the ropes. A loss of balance from Arthur also sees Bivol reply with a flurry.

BIVOL-ARTHUR: ROUND 1

Bivol's round. Arthur did land some good jabs, but Bivol with some fantastic combinations with hooks to head and body off of his jabs.

INTRODUCTIONS ARE OVER...

The WBA Light-Heavyweight title is now on the line.

2030: LYNDON ARTHUR TAKES ON LIGHT-HEAVY KING BIVOL NEXT

Defeating Canelo Alvarez's conqueror is a big ask for the Mancunian. The Ring has Dmitry Bivol number five in its pound-for-pound rankings.

"I would like Arthur to win but I think it's hard to make an argument for him," Frampton said.

RESPECT AT THE END BETWEEN 'BIG BABY' AND 'DADDY'

Daniel Dubois said he would beat Jarrell 'Big Baby' Miller like he was his daddy prior to the conference as part of a bad-tempered build up, but both fighters showed respect after the contest.

Nothing but respect as Dubois and Miller embrace post-fight

LEWIS: MILLER TRIED TO TEST HEART, BUT DUBOIS TOO SMART

"Daniel Dubois really came alive in the late rounds, using his jab, using his movement and caught a lot of confidence," three-time heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis told TNT Sports.

"He's boxing a 320lb guy and he was giving up too much ground in the first rounds. Really what he should have done was slide him to the left - allow a 320lb guy to move, keep giving him angles."

'Who's next?' - Lewis hails big win for Dubois and looks to future

"As he gained his second breath he did very well, he looked like a good boxer," Lewis added. "He was using his legs and doing a little jerking and jiving.

"He learned he can be in there with the big guys. Miller was trying to test his heart. He was stepping into him hoping Daniel would punch himself out. He didn't punch himself out. He was too smart for him. In fact Miller punched himself out."

WARREN: DUBOIS IS 'BACK AT THE TOP TABLE'

'He's back at the big table' - Warren says Dubois can look forward to 'some big fights'

FRAMPTON: 'WIN WILL PROPEL DANIEL'S CAREER'

"I saw a performance that I wasn't sure Daniel had in him," two-weight world champion Carl Frampton said on TNT Sports. "In rounds four, five six, I was hoping I was wrong but I had the feeling Daniel was going to get stopped.

"Jarrell Miller was applying the pressure and Daniel was looking really, really exhausted. But he rode the storm and I think a performance like that is something which is going to really propel Daniel's career.

"For a couple of reasons, first of all its a big win, its a good win, but also he's learned something new about himself tonight, that he can battle through adversity, when its tough and its not all going his own way he can fight back. Credit to him, Im someone who has been critical of him in the past but a fantastic performance I thought."

DUBOIS: 'I HAD TO PROVE TO MYSELF I'M A REAL FIGHTER'

"I'm learning knew things every day," Dubois said on TNT Sports. "I had my dad screaming in my corner, I knew I had to get out there and work.

"I had to prove it to myself that I'm a real fighter. I silenced all the doubters. The confidence I might have been missing before, I got that tonight."

'It really mattered' - Dubois says he has 'silenced all the doubters'

A GREAT PERFORMANCE FROM DUBOIS

He answered questions about his heart and his skill-set there.

"In that fourth and fifth round, hand on heart, I thought it could be all over for Dubois in the sixth," Steve Bunce said on TNT Sports.

DUBOIS STOPS MILLER IN ROUND 10

A fine end to the fight from Dubois. Miller came out with a purpose at the start of the round but Dubois wore that storm and then landed with big right hands seeing Miller collapsing against the ropes and though the American was showing his tongue, Dubois knew he was ready for the taking. The Brit landed uppercuts, a huge left hand and overhand rights, the referee stopped the contest with ten seconds recmaining.

DUBOIS-MILLER: ROUND 9

Dubois wins round quite easily. He boxes beautifully and though Miller still walked him down Dubois stayed using his feet and landing shots from range. Whatever you say about Miller, you can't criticise his chin. He took another big right hand a few second before the bell.

DUBOIS-MILLER: ROUND 8

Dubois starts with fantastic left hooks, two to the head, one to the body, which rock back Miller. Dubois gets a second warning from the referee for a low blow. Next time he would lose a point. Miller appears to be slowing down the Dubois landing much the better shots, including a huge overhand right to the side of Miller's head.

DUBOIS-MILLER: ROUND 7

Miller started with more urgency but Dubois's superior jab landed throughout and allowed him to control the round. He also connected with a few good uppercuts inside and recovered well after being made to eat a right hander from the American as well.

DUBOIS-MILLER: ROUND 6

Better round for Dubois. Again Miller came stronger as the round went on but Dubois concentrating more on straight shots rather than haymakers landed a number one-twos which grabbed Miller's attention.

DUBOIS-MILLER: ROUND 5

Dubois starts fast landing with firm left jabs, but once more as they fought in close Miller turned the round in his favour. Both fighters look exhausted. Miller walking him down near the end of the round. Miller has the better defence which is a worry for Dubois.

DUBOIS-MILLER: ROUND 4

A good round from Miller. He caught Dubois in close with a combination, then another two as the Brit back pedalled. Dubois was staggered but rallied at the end.

DUBOIS-MILLER: ROUND 3

A good round from Dubois boxing well with left and right hands leaving the American bloodied in the mouth, if not seriously hurt. Miller also landed a good double jab. Once more sage comments from Richie Woodhall pointing out Dubois needs to move to his right a little to avoid the dangerous right hand. Dubois needs to be wary of his low shots as well, he combined one with a fine left hook upstairs on the bell. Buncey is worried Daniel is being too active which could catch up with him later.

DUBOIS-MILLER: ROUND 2

Dubois with a good first two minutes landing good straight left and right hands, but Miller showed how dangerous he is landing a couple of big shots in close.

DUBOIS-MILLER: ROUND 1

Dubois makes a good start landing a couple of big right hands, nice shots to the body and slick jabs. Our man Richie Woodhall is a little concerned at Daniel looking to push off his opponent who weighs 6-and-a-half stone more. He ends the round with a nice uppercut.

1906: HERE COMES DUBOIS...

He comes out to Jay Z's 'Big Pimpin'.

A focused Dubois makes his way to the ring

1900: MILLER IS ON HIS WAY TO THE RING

His last fight was a war with former heavyweight contender Lucas Browne.

1850: DUBOIS-MILLER TO ENTER RING IN NEXT TEN MINUTES

This fight is one where we should see fireworks. Miller is unbeaten (26-0-1, 22 KOs) but he has not fought in anywhere near elite company since coming back from his drug ban.

How to watch Joshua, Wilder in Day of Reckoning in the UK on TV - LIVE

Day of Reckoning costs £19.99 in the UK and can be watched through TNT Sports Box Office.

Viewers wanting to watch the fight online should visit https://www.tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice and follow instructions to subscribe and watch on the web or on the TNT Sports Box Office App
Sky customers can purchase on channel 494 via their remote control or via https://www.sky.com/boxoffice/tnt-sports
Virgin Media TV customers in the UK: customers with a TiVo and/or V6 set-top-box should visit the On-Demand section and choose Live Events; customers with a Virgin TV 360 and/or Stream set-top-box should go to the Pay Per View Events rail
EE TV customers can go to channel 495 and pay using their remote control.
Customers in the Republic of Ireland can purchase through TNT Sports Box Office via Sky at https://www.sky.com/boxoffice/tnt-sports - €29.99 or €34.99 (on the day)

1840: FOUR FIGHTS, FOUR KOs...

1830: THE NEXT FIGHT WE ARE ALL LOOKING FORWARD TO...

Daniel Dubois takes on Jarrell 'Big Baby' Miller, the bad boy of the heavyweight division. Also the biggest heavyweight in the division weighing over 21 stone.

'He's shivering, he's shaking' - Jarrell Miller predicts ‘fireworks’ against Daniel Dubois

KABAYEL: 'I SHOCKED THE WORLD, MAYBE!'

"If you talked to ten guys, nine would say he would win," Kabayel said on TNT Sports. "I shocked the world."

WHAT A PERFORMANCE!

Kabayel has only had seven fights in six years since the Derek Chisora fight and came close to a Tyson Fury fight three years ago, but surely now he has put himself in line for a big heavyweight contest.

KABAYEL WINS IN ROUND 4!

Kabayel couldn't miss with the uppercut and a flurry of them followed by a body shot saw him put Makhmudov down. The German then had the Russiassn back on the ropes and left hook put him down. But more body shots in the fourth round saw the European champion put the Canadian-based giant down once more, ending the contest. What an upset! What a performance.

MAKHMUDOV-KABAYEL: ROUND 3

Big round for Kabayel. He stuns Makhmudov forcing him to sway back on the ropes with a big right hand. He landed a number of right hands with the Russian giant still dangerous but less accurate. Twice more Kabayel stunned his opponent before the end of the round.

MAKHMUDOV-KABAYEL: ROUND 2

More threatening shots from Makhmudov but Kabayel to his credit avoided being caught flush with them. Makhmudov takes the round again but the German can be happy with his start. Can he build on it now?

MAKHMUDOV-KABAYEL: ROUND 1

He is so menacing Makhmudov, just walking his opponent down and landing his barge pole left jab, followed by a quick right hand over the top. It was not one-way traffic though with Kabayel landing some nice jabs to the head and downstairs, but an uppercut from Makhmudov did hurt the German late in the round.

1800: THE ADVICE WHEN MAKHMUDOV FIGHTS...DON'T BLINK!

1755: MAKHMUDOV-KABAYEL UP NEXT

The highly-rated Arslanbek Makhmudov (18-0, 17 KOs) takes on European champion Agit Kabayel (23-0, 15 KOs). Makhmud knocked Junior Anthony Wright out in the first round in our last big fight night in Saudi Arabia, while Kabayel holds a points win over Derek Chisora.

1745: RUIZ: '2024 MY YEAR'

We spoke to Andy Ruiz at ringside who expects to be back in action in big fights in the first half of 2024.

'I need to get ready' - Ruiz doing his prep at Day of Reckoning ahead of return

HEARN: OPETAIA 'A POUND-FOR-POUND TALENT'

"What you are looking at is a pound-for-pound talent" Hearn said on TNT Sports. "You saw Oleksandr Usyk become an undisputed cruiserweight champion and then step up to win the world heavyweight title and I believe that is what this guy will do."

OPETAIA STOPS ZORRO BY KNOCKOUT IN ROUND 1

What an incredible knockout. Opetaia had shown some danger signs in the first round with his southpaw right hand, but Zorro also showed some power with a right hand, but as the round was about to end, Opetaia produced a knockout we are unlikely to match this evening. Zorro expected a shot with the right hand, but a left hand over the top caught the Englishman by surprise and there was no way he was beating the count.

1730 - FIGHTERS BEING INTRODUCED

A reminder, Opetaia gave up his IBF cruiserweight title to take this fight tonight. He remains the Ring Magazine champion.

1722 - UP NEXT LINEAL CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT

The consensus best cruiserweight in the world, Australian Jai Opetaia 23-0 (18 KOs) takes on Kent's unbeaten Ellis Zorro (17-0, 7 KOs).

Watch: Opetaia and Zorro face off

HRGOVIC: 'I'M READY FOR A TITLE'

"IBF declared I'm the next in the line," Hrgovic said on TNT Sports. "I should fight the winner of Tyson Fury and Usyk and if they go for a rematch I will fight the next best fighter. So my next fight will be for a title."

Hrgovic 'looking forward to title shot' after beating De Mori at Day of Reckoning

HRGOVIC STOPS DE MORI IN ROUND 1

De Mori was wobbled by the first right hand Hrgovic landed and took a knee in the corner. Hrgovic couldn't miss with the jab and the referee encouraged the Australian to keep fighting when he turned his head over the ropes, but immediately a couple of more right hands saw the contest halted.

1700 - HRGOVIC-DE MORI UP NEXT

The most one-sided fight on the card as the IBF mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic (16-0, 13 KOs) fights Australian Mark De Mori (41-2-2, 36 KOs). This should be a showcase for Hrgovic.

SANCHEZ STOPS FA IN ROUND 7

A five punch combination sent Fa back to the canvas a minute into the round, then the New Zealander did well to carry on but another big overhand right from the Cuban sent his opponent to the canvas in the corner and though the count was beaten the referee sensibly waved the fight off. He retains the WBC Continental Americas and NABO titles and moves to 24-0.

SANCHEZ-FA: ROUND 6

Fa landed a good right hand and forced Sanchez to hold on, but as he got more confident he was caught by a beautiful counter right hand from Sanchez which wobbled then dropped the New Zealander to the canvas. He was fortunate the bell came as he got to his feet.

SANCHEZ-FA: ROUND 5

Some comedy to start the round delaying the action as Fa's trainer's mobile fell out of his pocket and was lying on the canvas. Fa threw a nice body punch in the first half of the fight. Using his superior footwork, Sanchez drew leads and landed the odd jab and uppercut. He slipped to the canvas at the end of the round but there was no punch involved.

SANCHEZ-FA: ROUND 4

Another disappointing round. Sanchez's defence is impressive, slipping Fa's shots as he comes forward but he threw very little of substance.

SANCHEZ-FA: ROUND 3

The Cuban at last showing some class with a couple of counter left hooks as Fa looked to throw his right hands. He startled Fa a little with a screwshot cum uppercut midway through the round. Sanchez's round.

SANCHEZ-FA: ROUND 2

We promise you it will get better than this! Sanchez showing very little and you have to give the round to Fa even though he is not landing a great deal but at least he has been going forward. Sanchez at last showing signs at the end of the round he might become more adventurous.

SANCHEZ-FA: ROUND 1

Patient first round from Sanchez, content to block Fa with his cross-arm defence and just landing with a few jabs. An even opener.

1615 - FIRST FIGHT IS UPON US...

Cuban Frank Sanchez (23-0, 16 KOs) fights New Zealander Junior Fa (20-2, 11 KOs). Sanchez is ranked #4 with the WBC and WBO.

1605 - HERE IS THE CARD IN FULL....

Anthony Joshua vs. Otto Wallin, 12 rounds (Heavyweight)
Deontay Wilder vs. Joseph Parker, 12 rounds (Heavyweight)
Dmitry Bivol vs. Lyndon Arthur, 12 rounds, for Bivol’s WBA Light Heavyweight title
Daniel Dubois vs. Jarrell Miller, 10 rounds, heavyweights
Arslanbek Makhmudov vs. Agit Kabayel, 10 rounds, heavyweights
Jai Opetaia vs. Ellis Zorro, 12 rounds, for Opetaia’s lineal Cruiserweight title
Filip Hrgovic vs. Mark De Mori, 10 rounds (Heavyweight)
Frank Sanchez vs. Junior Fa, 10 rounds (Heavyweight)

1600 - WELCOME TO DAY OF RECKONING!

Thanks for joining our coverage of this immense evening of boxing. We have eight big fights, six heavyweight, plus a cruiserweight lineal title bout and WBA light heavywight title contest - headlined of course by Anthony Joshua-Otto Wallin and Deontay Wilder-Joseph Parker. Get your snacks ready and buckle in for the ride with us here.

Boxing fans see Christmas come early on Saturday, December 23 as some of the sport's greatest champions go head-to-head in the 'Day of Reckoning' - follow LIVE updates here from 16:00.

On what is set to be an action-filled night of combat in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, former two-time unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua goes up against Otto Wallin in the co-main event.

In the other co-main event, former WBO world champion Joseph Parker meets the 'Bronze Bomber', former WBC world title-holder Deontay Wilder, who fights for the first time in 2023.

Before the two headliners, recent world title challenger Daniel Dubois comes up against 'Big Baby' Jarrell Miller, while IBF No. 1 contender Filip Hrgovic takes on Mark De Mori in another heavyweight clash.

What time does Day of Reckoning start?

The event will start at 16:00 UK time.

A number of mouthwatering fights will take place, including Dubois v Miller and Hrgovic v De Mori, before the co-main events.

Joshua weighs in ahead of fight with Wallin at the ‘Day of Reckoning’

How to watch Joshua, Wilder in Day of Reckoning in the UK on TV

Day of Reckoning costs £19.99 in the UK and can be watched through TNT Sports Box Office.

Sky customers can purchase on channel 494 via their remote control or via https://www.sky.com/boxoffice/tnt-sports
Virgin Media TV customers in the UK: customers with a TiVo and/or V6 set-top-box should visit the On-Demand section and choose Live Events; customers with a Virgin TV 360 and/or Stream set-top-box should go to the Pay Per View Events rail
EE TV customers can go to channel 495 and pay using their remote control
Customers in the Republic of Ireland can purchase through TNT Sports Box Office via Sky at https://www.sky.com/boxoffice/tnt-sports - €29.99 or €34.99 (on the day)
Viewers wanting to watch the fight online should visit https://www.tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice and follow instructions to subscribe and watch on the web or on the TNT Sports Box Office App

Who is fighting? Full card from Day of Reckoning

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

'He can take you out with any punch' - Bunce feels Wilder’s power makes him a danger for anyone

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media

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