THE RESULT: Anthony Joshua dominates Otto Wallin with an impressive performance, indicating his return to the peak of his abilities. Despite some predicting a tough challenge from the Swedish southpaw, Joshua proved them wrong with a complete beatdown, leading to a fifth-round stoppage by Joey Gamache.
KEY MOMENTS: Joshua’s vicious straight hand to the midriff and attacks to Wallin’s face set the tone for the fight. A right hand-left hook combination led to the beginning of the end, with Wallin’s corner ultimately deciding to pull him out of the fight.
RECORDS: Joshua’s record now stands at 27-3 with 24 quick, while Wallin’s record is now 26-2 (14).
TALKING POINT: With doubts about Deontay Wilder’s career and the upcoming Fury-Usyk match, Joshua’s performance was a clear statement of his return to form. The question now is how he would fare against Fury and in a potential third clash with Usyk after his improvements under Ben Davison.
QUOTABLE: “I can’t grade my performance,” Joshua said. “Ben Davison, Lee Wyile, Barry and my performance team will judge that for me…”
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?: Joshua was asked whether his pre-agreed fight with Wilder was now dead, and he said: “No. Listen, look at Dubois this evening. He has come back… I’m sure everyone still wants to see that fight.”
What is more likely, however, is that Joshua fights Filip Hrgovic for the IBF title, which will become vacant after the first Fury-Usyk clash, and would represent an opportunity for Joshua to become a three-time heavyweight champion.