Dmitriy Salita previews Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin
Otto’s keys to victory, revealed by promoter Dmitriy Salita
OLBG spoke to boxing promoter Dmitriy Salita who previewed his fighter Otto Wallin's upcoming clash against two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua which takes place on December 23.The 41-year-old scrutinised the festive fight taking place on the eve of Christmas Eve.
How big is this fight between Otto Wallin and Anthony Joshua?
Dmitriy Salita: It’s a great fight, and respect to Anthony Joshua for accepting this fight against a southpaw who is so tricky and is coming off the biggest win of his career against Murat Gassiev on the road so Otto’s confidence is at an all-time high. He feels very confident about this fight, and I’ve been beating the drums to make this fight to happen for many years. It’s been challenging to make it happen, but I suppose he had second thoughts about fighting a southpaw again after his defeats to Oleksandr Usyk. There aren’t many fighters who can say they have fought two of the best fighters in their generation in Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
Is there any psychological doubt for Joshua fighting a southpaw again after losing to Oleksandr Usyk?
Dmitriy Salita: It could be, but he also knocked out Charles Martin who was a southpaw. Anthony’s challenge is his mental confidence and the hunger of wanting to be on top again, but I don’t know where it is at. He is a human being, and he did look better in his last fight and seems to be getting his swagger back. Otto is going to be very confident in imposing himself and I believe Anthony Joshua’s power will get tested. His key to victory is to get land his power shots and Otto can take power punches against Tyson Fury and Murat Gassiev.
What are Otto’s keys to victory – does he need to be the aggressor?
Dmitriy Salita: I believe Anthony Joshua is an intelligent and smart guy and his boxing IQ is very high, and he is very knowledgeable in the sport and in the ring for when it’s happening in front of him. Otto’s keys to victory are to keep a high pace and not allow Anthony to take breaks and offset him from landing power punches. Otto sometimes can rest and lay on the ropes and measure guys, but I don’t think that’s the best strategy for Otto.
A lot of great fighters take the first round to take in data, the speed, the footwork and it’s like a high functioning computer and then you process in the minute between rounds and the next round you see elite fighters a lot different in the second round compared to the first so I think both fighters will be aggressively careful in the first round. There’s a lot riding on the fight for both. Anthony Joshua wants to fight Deontay Wilder but if Otto wins, he will slide in and establish himself as a true elite heavyweight.
Do you anticipate a rematch happening or could you see Joshua retire if he loses?
Dmitriy Salita: It depends on how he loses. If it’s a technicality by a cut or a headbutt then he will call for a rematch but if he is outboxed in a boring fight, then there may not be a desire for a rematch, and he may not want it. it is a standard protocol to have a rematch clause in place and you have to protect yourself, but I don’t think the rematch is real unless it is a Gatti vs Ward type of fight, but I don’t think there will be a rematch.
Are talks of Joshua vs Wilder for March disrespectful?
Dmitriy Salita: It is a bit odd the next date is scheduled. Both Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder are fighting bonafied , world class contenders in Otto Wallin and Joseph Parker but it puts more interest on this night of boxing. In announcing March 9 for the fight is risky but it is sport and adds more interest, more fuel and excitement for Otto Wallin and Joseph Parker.
Could Wallin face Wilder on March 9 if both win?
Dmitriy Salita: I’ve been speaking with Shelly Finkel for many months, and it is so unpredictable with what happens in the ring. There’s so many things that can injure you from training camps to fights so there is no way to predict March 9 happens for whatever fight but I am very happy these fights are happening, especially these days in the United States where HBO have left and now Showtime is leaving on a Saturday night so it’s a pivotal moment for boxing fans to get excited about boxing again.
I have read about Eubank Jr vs Benn falling through despite Eddie Hearn saying it was a done deal and a matter of time. It was a downer, and we don’t want boxing fans feeling like that, we want them to be excited and this card is like a tournament system and we can move on to the super fights hopefully in February or March.
Could Jarrell Miller vs Anthony Joshua happen next year?
Dmitriy Salita: This is a great opportunity for Jarrell against Daniel Dubois in his toughest fight on paper but it’s a big opportunity to rehabilitate himself and show he is an elite fighter. Miller vs Joshua is one of the biggest fights in a long, long time in the heavyweight division and the build up to the fight would be epic and absolutely incredible but it’s a big test for him on December 23. However, I think he stops Daniel Dubois.
Why does Miller get under Joshua’s skin?
Dmitriy Salita: There is genuine dislike between the two, a genuine rivalry and history that goes back to 2018 when they were supposed to fight in Madison Square Garden in Anthony’s first fight in the United States. In the lead up, a lot of things were said with some physical things pushing and shoving. It’s been brewing for a long time but if it happens that would be amazing for the sport.
The fight can happen anywhere in the world and is very likely if Anthony Joshua beats Deontay Wilde – the next big fight is either Tyson Fury or Jarrell Miller. That is something that can add a lot of flavour. Obviously Deontay Wilder is more accomplished and a former heavyweight champion of the world, but Jarrell is one of the most colourful fighters in boxing. Match that personality up with being healthy and clean, he has superstar potential and I believe he will take advantage of this opportunity.
Anthony doesn’t have a great chin and Jarrell is a big guy and power punch, so he definitely has the ability to knock out Anthony Joshua.
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