Former WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua says his boxing career could end if he fails to beat Otto Wallin in a blockbuster “Day of Reckoning” fight in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.
The 34-year-old two-time world champion is aiming for a third win after consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk as he attempts to regain the top spot in the heavyweight division and put himself into position for more potentially blockbuster fights in 2024.
Wallin, a Swedish boxer, has won all six of his fights since, but only one has come via knockout, and he hasn’t looked anywhere near the threat he did against Fury in Las Vegas.
If Joshua wins against Wallin, it will open up new possibilities for the former champion facing Deontay Wilder.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of his fight tonight, the 34-year-old understands that defeat could damage his boxing future.
“I know where I’m going in my life, but I’ve got to say this is a checkpoint, and if I don’t get past this, there is no future, so I’m fully locked into Otto Wallin and doing the job,” Josua said.
“Pure focus on Saturday, that’s with my heart, soul and every cell in my body is focused on Otto Wallin and knowing what I can do.”
The Nigerian-born British boxer has suffered three career defeats to date, losing to Andy Ruiz Jr in his first defeat in 2019 before Oleksandr Usyk beat him for the IBF, IBO, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles on two occasions in the build-up to the fight said he only has one thing on his mind.
“I’m looking to do a good job and what more can I say, I will do a good job,” Joshua added.
“I’m here to fight; I’m not here to party; I want to perform well and put that pressure on myself because I want to win; I have that urge to win and want to hurt my opponent.”
Wallin has also vowed to win the fight on Saturday and does not think it will be an ‘upset’ if he does so.
“It’s a big fight and a big opportunity. I’ve worked hard to be here, and now it’s time to enjoy the moment, win the fight and move on,” Wallin said.
“I’m going to win the fight and it shouldn’t be an upset, it’s natural and it’s my time, I’m happy to be here.”
