Anthony Joshua Defeats Otto Wallin After Fifth Round In Riyadh

Anthony Joshua delivered one of his best displays with an impressive stoppage of Otto Wallin, who was pulled out by his corner after the fifth round of a one-sided bout.

The 34-year-old made it three wins from three in 2023 after his win in Riyadh on Saturday night.

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.

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 Wallin’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.

A steely-looking Joshua showed no sign of easing up in the fourth round as he landed a number of head and body shots on his opponent. A right hand skimmed the face of Wallin, with Joshua looking comfortable and in control.

In the fifth, Joshua was throwing menacing, calculated punches, with Wallin offering little to nothing in attack. With just about one minute of the round remaining, Joshua unleashed a superb left hook to leave Wallin stumbling towards the ropes.

Wallin managed to stay on his feet and see out the round, but the Swede’s corner said their fighter was unable to continue as Joshua celebrated a destructive win.