The boxing stars who defeated Robert Helenius were seen in the ring on Saturday night.
Before Saturday, Deontay Wilder last fought against Robert Helenius in the fall of 2022. Now he suffered a surprise loss. PDO
A long-awaited top boxing event was organized in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, which was attended by, among others of Robert Helenius heavyweights who faced each other during the years 2022-2023 Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder.
However, the two were not seen facing each other.
Of the two, Wilder suffered a surprising defeat in New Zealand to Joseph Parker. Rumored to be Joshua’s main opponent Bronze Bomber was in trouble throughout the match. The jury noticed that too. Wilder, who narrowly avoided a knockout in the eighth round, lost the judges’ vote 118–111, 118–110 and 120–108.
– I do not know what happened. My punches weren’t landing like they should. But new opportunities will come. I’m sorry if I disappointed, Wilder said on Instagram.
The third loss of his career came at a bad time for the 38-year-old Wilder, as the plans have been for the American to face Joshua next. Now, a surprising defeat may water down the mega match with the world champion.
Wilder was asked at the press conference if talk of the Joshua fight interfered with his preparation. The boxer admitted that a little.
The 31-year-old Parker, who held the WBO title belt from 2016 to 2018, has now won 34 of his 37 fights.
The Swede fell
Otto Wallinis was not meant to be Anthony Joshua’s challenger. PDO
Representative of British boxer Joshua Eddie Hearn told the press that he told his protégé the result of Wilder’s match even before his own match. Hearn also admitted that Wilder’s stock plummeted due to the one-sided fight, further fueling concerns that the Wilder-Joshua fight could be cancelled.
– Wilder had no idea. He lost every set. He held his hands up and believed he had won. He wasn’t right about that. That’s the truth, Hearn said, according to the Independent.
Anthony Joshua took on Riyadh in the evening on the last card. In another corner stood a Swede Otto Wallinwho had previously lost just one of his 27 career matches.
Despite the handsome statistics, Joshua ruled in the ring.
As the match wore on, the British boxer landed better and better blows, and Wallin could only defend himself. The match was decided in the fifth set. In the counterattack, Joshua got his strong left hook so to speak, and after the end of the round, a bleeding Wallin threw in the towel.
The same striking pattern was also seen in August, when Joshua defeated Robert Helenius in seven rounds.