Israel Adesanya was thoroughly impressed by the 'Day of Reckoning' boxing event in Saudi Arabia featuring the Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder fights.
In recent times, unlike other sports such as MMA, boxing has come under criticism for not having multiple high-profile fights on the same card.
However, this past weekend in Riyadh, fans were treated to several high-profile fights, most notably Anthony Joshua Vs. Otto Wallin and Deontay Wilder vs. Joseph Parker.
This card features Dimitri Bivol vs. Lyndon Arthur vs. former Unified Heavyweight Title Challenger Daniel Dubois Vs. Jarrell Miller also featured.
Backstage reacting to the boxing card, 'The Last Stylebender' spoke highly of the event, commenting that it was the most stacked card in boxing history. He added:
„All the fights were exciting or competitive. There were no boring fights. Yeah, crazy, crazy fights man, it was exciting. It's good for boxing.”
Watch Israel Adesanya's comments from 10:45 below:
Additionally, the UFC star gave Bivol props for his impressive footwork and ability to land shots from different angles. The Nigerian-born Kiwi was impressed by Miller for lasting until the final round before being TKOed by a skilled boxer like Dubois.
Adesanya particularly praised compatriot Joseph Parker for his career-defining performance against Deontay Wilder. MMA star Parker won most of the rounds.
Interestingly, the 34-year-old compared Wilder to his former opponent Alex Pereira, saying both have incredible power in their punches.
Breaking down the main event, the middleweight superstar opined that while Val was dangerous early on, 'AJ's methodical approach, composed of his punching power, turned the fight in the Brit's favour.
Israel Adesanya says boxing is different from „real fighting”.
Although Israel Adesanya is a fan of pugilistic arts, he firmly believes that boxers are not the best fighters in the world. As for the UFC star, one cannot claim to be the best fighter in the world without expertise in multiple disciplines.
During an episode flagpole The podcast, 'The Last Stylebender' revealed his motivation to be a well-rounded warrior:
“Boxing is different from fighting…If I want to be the best fighter in the world…I never want a man to handle me under any circumstances…For me, the best fighter in the world, you can beat any style you know, that's why I put my ego aside. , I'm going to learn how to fight.
See Israel Adesanya's comments below (49:12):
„Całkowity introwertyk. Nieprzejednany specjalista od sieci. Przyjazny fanatyk bekonu. Student ekstremalnych. Miłośnik piwa. Organizator.”