Anthony Joshua threatens immediate retirement if Otto Wallin fight ends in defeat
Anthony Joshua can't afford to lose to Otto Wallin
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Anthony Joshua has dropped a huge hint that his boxing career could be over if he suffers defeat to Otto Wallin this evening.
Joshua has been slowly rebuilding his boxing career in 2023 after suffering back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.
The two-time heavyweight champion lost all of his belts and saw an agreement to fight Tyson Fury also fall through.
Wins over Jermaine Franklin Jr and Robert Helenius have put Joshua back on track for a big 2024.
THE FINAL FACE OFF 👊💥
— Boxing on TNT Sports (@boxingontnt) December 22, 2023
Anthony Joshua 🆚 Otto Wallin#DayofReckoning | Saturday | TNT Sports Box Office pic.twitter.com/iWK0XT37kC
But he faces his toughest test of the year in Wallin, who did some serious damage to Fury back in 2019 in what is the Swede's only career loss to date.
With Deontay Wilder also on the stacked 'Day of Reckoning' bill, there has been plenty of talk about a possible two-fight deal between the American and Joshua.
But the 34-year-old is not allowing himself to think past this evening's fight and suggests a loss to Wallin could end his career.
"Without Saturday night there is no future," he said.
"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.
"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.
Otto Wallin has a strong record himself
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"I'm making sure it's not just prayer, I'm following up by action as well."
Wallin isn't lacking in confidence himself though and doesn't believe it would be an upset if he defeated Joshua.
“I’m a tricky southpaw. I’m a good fighter. It’s short notice for this fight. Also, he’s got a new trainer, so I think that can be tricky,” said Wallin.
“He used to be a happy guy, but from what I see now, he seems very stiff and tense.
Anthony Joshua isn't thinking about his next fight
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"Maybe he’s fed up with all of this stuff?”
He added: “People are talking about upsets. I’m going to win the fight, and you shouldn’t call it an upset.
"It’s not really an upset. It’s just natural. This is my time, so I’m ready for it. I’m just happy to be here."