Anthony Joshua will fight on the same bill as Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia on December 23.

The Briton, who is looking to insert himself back into the world title picture in the heavyweight division, will face Sweden’s Otto Wallin in the Middle East.

Joshua, who beat Robert Helenius in his last bout in August, will fight after Wilder, who faces Joseph Parker on the undercard.

December 23 was initially reserved for Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s undisputed heavyweight showdown, which has since been postponed following Fury’s lacklustre performance against Francis Ngannou last month.

Joshua has no doubts he can deliver the required performance as he looks to get back to the top table of the heavyweight division.

“I’m looking forward to delivering my message to Otto Wallin on December 23,” Joshua said at a press conference on Wednesday evening to announce the ‘Day Of Reckoning’ show which is part of the Riyadh season.

“I can’t predict the future, but I know what I want to do. I believe I’m going to be a three-time heavyweight champion and the first step is to put a demolition job on Otto Wallin.

“It’s going to be big – we haven’t seen a card like this before.

“This is not a one-stop shop. This is a vision, this is my first stop and I will deliver the message. I’m determined to win and get back to my peak.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn feels the clash with Wallin is not going to be a walk in the park for Joshua.

“This is a tough fight. We saw him against Fury, he’s a good southpaw and we have seen something different from AJ,” Hearn said.

Anthony Joshua (left) and Otto Wallin during a press conference
Anthony Joshua (left) is confident he can see off the challenge of Swedish southpaw Otto Wallin (Adam Davy/PA)

“I think the best chapter is still to write for AJ.

“He changed the face of Saudi boxing and this is a challenge he wants to take. He wants to be heavyweight champion again and I think this will be a destructive performance from him.

“Wilder is a potentially massive fight to bring in 2024. This lines everything up for AJ and this lines up his whole career. ”

Wallin has lost just once in his 28 professional fights, which came against Fury in 2019.

“It is an easy fight to make for us,” said the Swede. “I didn’t expect to fight again this year. I’m in a great position and feel on top of the world.

“I have been waiting for this for a long time and I am blessed to be in this position.”

Deontay Wilder (left) and Joseph Parker during a press conference
Deontay Wilder (left) will face off against Joseph Parker in Riyadh (Adam Davy/PA)

Wilder is confident Parker will offer little resistance, as the American eyes up a potential showdown with Joshua.

“I have the ability to knock a man out with a single punch,” Wilder said.

“I’ve been able to do that and it allows people to be fearful of what may happen and that can be harmful to boxing because the fans want to see the best fight the best.

“That’s what I’ve come to do (KO Parker), it’s the only thing I’ve come to do.”

When asked about a potential fight with Joshua, Wilder added: “It’s good to be in the same room as him and to see him, it’s been a long time coming.

“Hopefully soon we can get it on and I wish him nothing but the best.”