The world of heavyweight boxing is ready to land in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on December 23, as former champions Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder headline an exciting ‘Day of Reckoning’ combat card.
This high-stakes but controversial occasion guarantees fireworks, with a number of intriguing matchups on the cardboard. Because the boxing world turns its consideration to Riyadh, listed below are 5 key bouts that demand shut scrutiny, boasting the dynamism and unpredictability that makes the game a worldwide spectacle.
‘Day of Reckoning’ – The Backdrop to the Occasion
Day of Reckoning – What to Count on
Boxing followers heading to Riyadh from america or Europe could also be in for a tradition shock. Ingesting is banned within the Center Japanese nation, as is betting on any occasion. There’ll be no method of putting an web guess both with every thing from sports activities bettors to on-line casinos prohibited.
As an alternative, attendees can have simply the combating to give attention to and with eight massive fights lined up, it’s unlikely they’ll get bored.
A few of the most high-profile figures within the boxing world might be on show and this text will cowl a number of the most notable matchups.
Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin
Anthony Joshua might be the largest identify on the invoice in Riyadh. The British boxer goals to reclaim his place within the heavyweight division’s title race by going through Sweden’s Otto Wallin.
Joshua, victorious in his latest bout in opposition to Robert Helenius, is assured in his potential to defeat Wallin and envisions a triumphant return to the head of the heavyweight division.
Promoter Eddie Hearn acknowledges the problem posed by Wallin and anticipates a big chapter in Joshua’s profession, setting the stage for potential future bouts, together with an enormous showdown with Deontay Wilder in 2024.
Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker
One other massive heavyweight showdown will happen on the undercard with Joseph Parker set to face Deontay Wilder.
Eddie Hearn anticipates a difficult night time for Parker, predicting a doubtlessly painful final result when he crosses gloves with the formidable Wilder.
The conflict between these former world champions carries important implications, as a victory for Wilder may pave the way in which for a extremely anticipated bout in opposition to Anthony Joshua within the coming yr, offered Joshua triumphs over Otto Wallin on the identical combat card.
Regardless of Wilder’s 14-month interval of inactivity, Hearn, who might be ringside for the occasion, expresses confidence in Wilder’s punching prowess, believing he’ll safe a victory throughout the first six rounds.
However what of Joseph Parker? The Kiwi actually packs a punch and boasts a proud profession document, however Wilder is prone to be a step too far for the 31-year-old veteran.
Dmitry Bivol vs Lyndon Arthur
WBA gentle heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol (21-0, 11KOs) is ready to defend his title in opposition to Lyndon Arthur (23-1, 16KOs) on the occasion.
Bivol, recognized for his Soviet-style method, boasts a flawless document and goals for his eleventh title protection. Having triumphed over formidable opponents, together with a dominant victory over Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, Bivol is taken into account among the many high pound-for-pound fighters globally.
Lyndon Arthur, with one defeat to his document, faces a frightening problem in opposition to Bivol’s precision punching and lightning-quick footwork. Regardless of Arthur’s explosive energy and famend jab, Bivol is the clear favourite.
If Bivol secures the anticipated victory, a possible showdown with fellow world champion Artur Beterbiev awaits, providing the prospect of changing into the primary undisputed 175-pound champion within the four-belt period.
Whereas rumors flow into a few 2024 showdown, each champions should efficiently negotiate their upcoming challenges for the much-anticipated conflict to materialize.
The prediction leans in direction of a one-sided contest, with Bivol showcasing masterful boxing and securing a knockout between rounds 7-12.
Ellis Zorro vs Jai Opetaia
Australian cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia is ready to defend his titles in opposition to England’s Ellis Zorro on December 23.
Opetaia, undefeated and coming off a profitable title protection in opposition to Jordan Thompson, is taken into account a big favourite within the match. Regardless of Zorro’s undefeated document, Opetaia’s expertise and knockout victories make him the clear frontrunner.
Opetaia views the bout as a possibility to make a press release and prepares for a possible rematch in opposition to former champion Mairis Briedis.
The One That Obtained Away
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Regardless of these profitable billings, the “Day Of Reckoning” occasion did have to beat an enormous downside to get right here.
It initially had WBC champion Tyson Fury scheduled to face Oleksander Usyk however Fury’s powerful latest contest in opposition to Francis Ngannou means the champ has determined to relaxation till the brand new yr.
It does imply, although, that the Fury/Usyk combat remains to be on the playing cards for Saudi Arabia, and can probably kind the principle attraction when the world’s brightest stars subsequent descend on Riyadh in 2024.
