ANTHONY Joshua admitted that his boxing career would be in great jeopardy if he fails to beat Otto Wallin tonight.
The Nigerian-Briton faces the Swede in a heavyweight boxing contest in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia tonight in one of the main bouts of the ‘Day of Reckoning’, which also features a bout involving Joshua’s big rival Deontay Wilder.
Joshua believes only a win tonight will justify a massive showdown with Wilder next year.
Former world heavyweight champion Joshua, 34, is aiming to make it three straight victories in 2023, having already beaten Jermaine Franklin Jr by unanimous decision in April before knocking out Robert Helenius in August to earn a 26th professional career victory.
“Without Saturday night there is no future. Saturday night I’ve been saying all week is my main focus. Whatever happens in the ring, I know that’s where my heart is. I need to get this win,” Joshua told a press conference.
“If my prayers are answered, I’ll get the win. I’ve been focused, praying hard and, whatever God wants from me, I’m going to follow that path. I’m making sure it’s not just prayer, I’m following up by action as well.”
Joshua insists that he is focused on securing victory tonight before considering his next move, which could be the proposed bout with Wilder.
“I’m a serious fighter, I’m a serious businessman, I’ve got a great team behind me and they’re handling business. As I always say, let me focus on what I’ve got to focus on,” he added.
Joshua has recorded three losses in his professional career — one to Andy Ruiz in 2019 before Oleksandr Usyk defeated him twice — while Wallin has only one career defeat to date against Tyson Fury and claims there will be a ‘new king’ on Saturday.
“I’m a small fighter. I’m a southpaw. I’ve trained for this moment for a very long time so I’m very much ready for it,” said Wallin.
“I know there’s going to be a new king and he’s from Sweden.”
