Anthony Joshua put in an impressive performance to defeat Otto Wallin in Riyadh. Photo: Ahmed Yosri/Reuters
Anthony Joshua is back in boxing's Super League heavyweight division after a spectacular performance against Otto Wallin. So what next?
Suddenly there are now a lot of options. Joshua's five-round win over the Swede was perhaps the most technically complete performance of his career, and big fights are in store for the British giant in 2024.
What's remarkable is the positive attitude and skill – along with the powerful, heavy punches hands – again at the forefront of AJ's arsenal.
Joshua's collaboration with Ben Davison – Tyson Fury's former trainer – has worked wonders. Their permanent partnership has yet to be confirmed, but it would be a huge surprise if Joshua, who was on his fourth trainer in
five fights, now moves elsewhere.
The choice is open to Joshua and his team. promoter Eddie Hearn mainly falls under the protection of investments from Saudi Arabia and the kingdom's influential minister Turki Al-Sheikh, as well as Frank Warren and his company Queensberry Promotions.
Anthony Joshua's victory over Otto Wallin was confirmed at the end of the fifth round. Photo: Saudi Arabia Boxing/AP
It appears, at least for now, that the ship is heading towards the Joshua-Deontay Wilder mega-fight in March, given Joseph Parker's victory over the American, which in my opinion is the greatest technical achievement of the New Zealand fighter's career. .
Wilder will first need to get back into the winning fold if he still wants to fight at age 39 next year. Wilder ruled out retiring after his defeat, but then said that if his time in the ring came to an end, he would celebrate his career. It seems likely that Wilder will have a couple more fights, including against Joshua.
However, Joshua's first attention will be focused on the fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usik for the absolute heavyweight title. February 17, but the International Boxing Federation has an overdue mandatory requirement.
Fury and Usyk signed a two-fight contract guaranteeing a rematch, so the IBF belt will likely be vacated before their second fight as they will not be able to compete in the mandatory fight. Filip Hrgovic of Croatia is currently the IBF number one.
“I 100 percent want to fight Tyson.”
Joshua also wants to get in the ring with Fury. Speaking after his win over Wallin, Joshua said: “I 100 percent want to fight Tyson Fury, but I'm not ruling out Hrgovic.”
The Fury fight we've always wanted to see will be superior to all others. The energetic Joshua has now made competing against his fellow Brit a very different proposition in many people's eyes. He also breathed new life into the heavyweight division and the sport as a whole. A rejuvenated Joshua will bring big box office revenue.
There is another possible outcome. If Usyk defeats Fury, Joshua could have a trilogy fight with the Ukrainian. It's something that coach Davison really likes and believes Joshua can beat Usyk at the third try.
There are so many mouth-watering possibilities and whatever is decided, there will be huge matchups ahead in 2024. Joshua will be in the spotlight, AJ will be back.
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