Day Of Reckoning: ‘Wilder, Joshua share same goal of heavyweight extravaganza’

Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder are the main draws in the ‘Night of Reckoning’ heavyweight bouts in Saudi Arabia…today.

Anthony Joshua is only half right when he says this night in Saudi Arabia is all about having his hand raised against Otto Wallin, former professional boxer, Barry Mcguigan told mirror.co.uk.

Writing for the English paper, Mcguigan said a win alone won’t do it, adding, “it’s about sending a message with a performance that puts him right back in the heavyweight picture. Though he has won twice since the defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, it is still not known where he is from a career standpoint – and if he has enough left to rise again.

“Jermaine Franklin took him the distance. I knew that would be a tough fight. We had Franklin in the gym with Daniel Dubois, and he could not budge him in sparring despite dominating. I could see he was robust and strong and easily able to frustrate any opponent.”

He said Joshua’s seventh round defeat of
Helenius was a good finish, which is what boxing fans want from this night’s fight against Wallin.

“We want to see that Joshua can still knock guys out, that he can go through the gears and set up his opponent for the big finish.

“Wallin is big, strong and, though a southpaw, is easy to hit. Perfect for Joshua to demonstrate knockout power. This game is all about that and I really hope Joshua is explosive, not least to send a message to Deontay Wilder, who is lined up next.”

He affirms that Wilder has been generally dismissive of Joshua, adding, however, that the American would be a fool to discount anyone who hits as hard as him.

“Joshua punches an awful lot harder than Fury, but he has to show it on Saturday. He has to be emphatic against Wallin. And Wilder has to get rid of