The Saudi Arabia boxing scene has opened its treasure box to Anthony Joshua, offering him a hefty sum to take on an opponent that could pose a serious threat. But whose idea was it for AJ to step into the ring with an awkward southpaw who was robbed in a fight against Tyson Fury?

AJ's Vow to Avoid Lefties

After consecutive losses to southpaw genius Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua made a promise to himself to steer clear of left-handed opponents for the rest of his career. It seemed like a smart move for the 34-year-old boxing legend.

Stepping Stones to Deontay Wilder

Rehabilitation wins over orthodox fighters Jermain Franklin and Robert Helenius were supposed to be stepping stones toward a showdown with heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. Everything seemed to be going according to plan.

A Curveball from Saudi Arabia

However, Saudi Arabia had other plans. The desert kingdom offered AJ a mega-money deal that he couldn't resist. Instead of facing Wilder, Joshua will now face Otto Wallin on December 23 in Riyadh.

Dangerous and Confusing Lurch

Wallin, a 6ft 5in Swedish heavyweight, is a dangerous opponent. He jabs with his right and whacks with his left, making him a tricky southpaw to handle. This sudden change in opponents has thrown Joshua off the seemingly straightforward path to greatness.

A Potentially Shocking Upset

Wallin's record shows only one defeat, which came at the hands of Tyson Fury. However, that fight could have easily been a shock upset win for Wallin. In their 2019 Las Vegas battle, Wallin bashed a gash into Fury's eye that required 47 stitches. If Fury wasn't the celebrated Gypsy King, he could have suffered his first defeat that night.

Wallin's Recent Victories

Since his fight with Fury, Wallin has had a quiet few years. But in August, he surprised everyone by defeating Murat Gassiev, a strong Russian fighter, with a split decision. Wallin has proven that he can hold his own against tough opponents.

Questionable Decision-Making

Given Wallin's skills and recent victories, many are questioning whose idea it was for AJ to take on this challenging southpaw. It seems like a risky move, especially with such short notice before the fight.

The Casual Fans' Perspective

The mainstream fans who were captivated by Joshua's rise to fame might be left scratching their heads with this fight. Wallin is not a household name, and a win over him might not impress the casual fans who are looking for big-name heavyweight stars.

A Missed Opportunity?

Some argue that a more marketable fight for Joshua would have been against Daniel Dubois, who is also fighting on the same Riyadh show. Dubois is set to face Jarrell Miller, an American boxer who gained notoriety for failing multiple drug tests. A revenge mission against Miller would have had more hype and excitement surrounding it.

Joshua's Grown-Up Task

Instead, Joshua finds himself facing Otto Wallin, a formidable opponent who has given Tyson Fury and Murat Gassiev a run for their money. The pressure is on for AJ to not only beat Wallin but to do it in a way that showcases his skills and leaves no room for doubt.

An Uncertain Future

If Joshua were to suffer a devastating loss to an unfamiliar name like Wallin, it could have serious consequences for his career. He would have to work hard to regain the trust and support of his fans.

Conclusion

Anthony Joshua's decision to take on Otto Wallin is a risky one. Only time will tell if it was a smart move or a costly mistake. Boxing fans around the world will be eagerly watching the fight on December 23 to see how Joshua handles this unexpected challenge.