Anthony Joshua (left) and Otto Wallin
Wallin is a Swedish southpaw who has steadily rose up the ranks. His journey started properly when he pushed Tyson Fury hard over 12 rounds in 2019. He also managed to inflict a savage cut above the current WBC Champion’s eye that required 47 stitches.
After increasing his profile with that performance, ‘All In’ has gone on to record solid wins over former cruiserweight king Murat Gassiev and Joshua victim Dominic Breazeale amongst others.
Speaking to Boxing Social, he claimed he was surprised when Joshua picked him as an opponent for December 23.
“He’s got a new trainer, short notice, southpaw again, so I didn’t really understand it. I didn’t think they would pick me; I was surprised and I didn’t think it was the best move, but I get the chance to beat him and really cement my name up there with the best heavyweights in the world.”
Wallin then revealed what he gleaned from the first press conference when he came head-to-head with Joshua.
“I felt he was stiff, tense and nervous. He seemed very unsure of himself. I think he is a guy that takes himself pretty seriously. He told me not to shake my hand after if I’m talking now so I said I’m not here to make friends, I’m going to do whatever it takes to win this fight.”
He was then asked if he had seen things in Joshua’s game plan that he could exploit.
“Definitely. He’s already been beaten three times. There’s no secret he can get beaten. I think that now more than before his mind is in a bad spot. He has too much pressure on his shoulders and he’s feeling it. That’s hard for him. He’s not the champion and that brings him down. It shows with all his different trainers.”
The fight takes place in Saudi Arabia on December 23 as part of a huge card of heavyweight boxing. Should Wallin win, there’s a rematch clause on ‘AJ’s side.
