There’s some exciting news about the upcoming December 23rd card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Former heavyweight champions Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua are close to finalizing their participation in the event. Their opponents are still to be confirmed, but both fighters are open to the idea if the deal goes through. This was reported by Dan Rafael in an article where he mentions that preparations for the match are underway.
According to Rafael’s usually reliable sources, Wilder is set to face former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker on the upcoming card, while A.J. will be up against Otto Wallin. While it’s not yet official, things appear to be falling into place. Additionally, current WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol is also expected to feature on the card, facing Richard Rivera, who previously competed against Badu Jack and is rumored to have been on the receiving end of an unjust decision. This promises to be an intriguing bout, with Rivera, nicknamed “Popeye the Sailorman,” looking to redeem himself after a tough fight against Jack.
Returning to the heavyweight division, Wallin, known for giving Tyson Fury a tough challenge in 2019, has since secured six consecutive victories, including a notable win over former cruiserweight champion Murat Gassiev. Many fans see Wallin as a strong underdog against A.J.
On the other hand, Parker, with a record of 33 wins, 3 losses, and 23 draws, has faced several renowned opponents such as Joshua, Andy Ruiz, Dillian Whyte, Derek Chisora, and Joe Joyce. He held the WBO title from 2016 to 2018 and has shown resilience after his loss to Joyce, with 3 wins and 2 draws in his last five fights. Parker is still considered a youthful and skillful boxer, posing a potential challenge to Wilder.
It looks like Saudi Arabia will be hosting three compelling matches on December 23rd.
