Parker knocked out after barely 5 rounds
Anthony Joshua damaged Otto Wallin from the second round onward after launching himself into the contest in Riyadh.
After a one-sided fight, Anthony Joshua put on one of his best performances when he stopped Otto Wallin, who was being helped out by his corner after the fifth round.
The 34-year-old’s victory in Riyadh on Saturday night made it three victories out of three for 2023.
After defeating Jermaine Franklin Jr. via unanimous decision in April and stopping Robert Helenius in the seventh round in August, Joshua easily won his 27th fight as a professional.
Joshua hurt Wallin in the second round after launching himself off the starting blocks in Riyadh.
Wallin was left dazed and with blood seeping from his right nostril when Joshua struck him with a left hook to the head, a thunderous right cross, and a second swift right.
Moving on to the third, Joshua hit another right, and Wallin’s repaired nose was leaking once more. After being taken off balance by a powerful left, Wallin, the former European champion, was forced to back up onto the ropes and sustained a gash to his right eye.
In round four, Joshua, who had a steely appearance, showed no signs of slowing down as he repeatedly hit his opponent in the head and torso. Wallin’s face was briefly touched by a right hand, and Joshua appeared composed and in charge.
Joshua was delivering threatening, well-timed blows in the fifth, and Wallin was barely making an effort to counterattack. Joshua scored a spectacular left hook that sent Wallin reeling in the direction of the ropes with just over a minute remained in the round.
Wallin survived to finish the round on his feet, but as Joshua celebrated a devastating victory, the camp of the Swede announced their warrior was out.
Strong favorite Joshua needed more than a win to persuade doubters that his finest days were still ahead of him. The 33-year-old Wallin gave the British boxer some style points.
The 27-3-0 Joshua has changed drastically since winning the WBA, IBF, and WBO titles. However, he turned in a performance straight out of the past, backing Wallin (26-2-0) and jabbing and charging forward with assurance. In the fifth round, a strong right-left combination finally caused the halt.
Just one more altercation. With respect, Otto, remarked Joshua. Not so much a throwback as it is an ordinary workday. I simply use my unique gift as a great fighter and do everything within my power to make the most of it.
“All we want is to win, no matter what it takes. Being successful is all I want to be for as long as possible. I’m on a quest for excellence.
