Anthony Joshua speaks to his head coach Ben Davison during the media workout ahead of his heavyweight fight against Otto Wallin at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, December 23, 2023. AFP
British heavyweight Anthony Joshua spent less than a minute shadow boxing for his workout. PA
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn looks on as Anthony Joshua trains during the media workout day. Joshua's fight against Otto Wallin is one of the co-main events on the 'Day of Reckoning' card. Getty
Sweden's Otto Wallin does some light shadow boxing during his workout. Getty
Anthony Joshua poses for a photo with children from a Riyadh boxing club. Getty
Otto Wallin has a pro record of 26 wins, one loss and one no contest. Getty
Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder hits the pads with head coach Malik Scott. Getty
Deontay Wilder takes on another former heavyweight champion Joseph Parker in the co-main event at 'Day of Reckoning' in Saudi Arabia. Getty
American heavyweight Deontay Wilder has won 42 of his 43 fights by knockout, suffering only two defeats and one draw. Getty
Deontay Wilder trains with his head coach Malik Scott. Getty
New Zealander Joseph Parker is a former WBO heavyweight champion and Deontay Wilder's opponent on Saturday. Getty
Joseph Parker poses during the media workout. Getty
Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder went through very different workouts ahead of their coming bouts in Saudi Arabia.
British heavyweight Joshua, who faces Otto Wallin in Riyadh on Saturday, kept his public workout low-key, doing barely a minute of shadow boxing before he invited local youngsters into the ring.
American Wilder, meanwhile, tuned up for his clash with Joseph Parker by giving a glimpse of his awesome power during a more high octane workout with head coach Malik Scott.
Former two-time world heavyweight champion Joshua will step into the ring for 30th time this weekend on a card billed as the "Day of Reckoning", but the talk ahead of this latest bout in Saudi Arabia has swirled around a proposed clash with Wilder in 2024.
“I do want to hurt him, that’s fact,” Joshua (26-3, 23KOs) told TNT Sports, when asked about Wallin.
“This [workout] ain’t fun for me, this is just work. What will be fun is Saturday night getting my hand raised.
“All of this is really nice, but this ain’t for me. This is for the entertainment, for the viewers, for the people who have come to Saudi to watch a night of boxing. My entertainment is in the ring on Saturday night and I’m not there yet so I’ve got to stay focused.
“I’m here with you guys out of contractual obligations so I will fulfil my obligations but ultimately my true, true obligation is to fight on Saturday night.
“I need to win, I have to win and yeah, if it is destined and meant to be, it’s meant to be.”
Before Joshua stepped in the ring for his non-workout, which has been a feature of other fight weeks, Wilder discussed the pressure being put his 34-year-old rival.
Wilder (43-2-1, 42KOs) added: “It’s been so long that people talk about me and him getting in the ring. I think there is a lot more pressure on him than me.
“A lot of people talk about how he responded to media. I had a lot of media come up to me today and ask me about his behaviour. I say you all put a lot of pressure on him. He has got to focus on Otto Wallin.
“You put a lot of pressure on him, I wish everyone would back off him.”
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood. Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues. Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity. Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Guns N’ Roses’s last gig before Abu Dhabi was in Hong Kong on November 21. We were there – and here’s what they played, and in what order. You were warned.
It’s So Easy
Mr Brownstone
Chinese Democracy
Welcome to the Jungle
Double Talkin’ Jive
Better
Estranged
Live and Let Die (Wings cover)
Slither (Velvet Revolver cover)
Rocket Queen
You Could Be Mine
Shadow of Your Love
Attitude (Misfits cover)
Civil War
Coma
Love Theme from The Godfather (movie cover)
Sweet Child O’ Mine
Wichita Lineman (Jimmy Webb cover)
Wish You Were Here (instrumental Pink Floyd cover)
