The star ratings indicate how well the writer believes the fighters match up, the fight(s)’ contextual significance, and how good the fight(s) will be
WHOLE SHOW
WHEN Anthony Joshua and years ago, writing a preview featuring either of them was a straightforward task. Depending on the durability of the opponent, the conclusion was either a blowout or a mid-to-late rounds stoppage, and it was just a case of crafting the appropriate storyline to get there. But merely predicting that Joshua, 34, and Wilder, 38, will, respectively, walk through Otto Wallin and Joseph Parker with the minimum of fuss would be to ignore too much of what has gone on since.
What hasn’t changed, however, is the desire for Joshua and Wilder to ultimately fight each other and that, largely, is the point of this fistic extravaganza in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday. As appetisers go, this is as lavish and hearty as they come, yet there is no guarantee that once we get to the end of it, the long-desired main course will follow. That danger, for both Joshua and Wilder, makes this event enticing in a way that Joshua versus knockover and Wilder versus roadsweeper wouldn’t have. Yes, we can grumble that we’re not getting Joshua-Wilder now, but this
