Promoters Dmitry Salita and Eddie Hearn discussing potential Joshua vs Wallin fight
Dmitry Salita has revealed his fighters' plans for the New Year with some huge bouts in the works.
The New York-based promoter discussed the proposed plans for Anthony Joshua to face Otto Wallin as Eddie Hearn sets out his three-fight plan for AJ in 2023.
The former fighter turned promoter also shared heavyweight Jermaine Franklin's plans to return to the UK to rematch Dillian Whyte, citing that the Londoner, who was only narrowly victorious in thier November clash (MD12), needs to ‘prove’ he’s ready for a summer showdown with AJ and Franklin is the ‘acid test’.
Here's what he had to say during an interview with Ice36 Live Casino:
Otto Wallin vs Anthony Joshua
"Eddie Hearn and I have discussed Otto and Joshua potentially taking place and I'm waiting to see if an offer will materialise. Eddie's talking about a three-fight plan for AJ in 2023 to build him back up after defeats to Usyk. Eddie says he wants a top 15 opponent in spring. If they want a credible challenge, a familiar name, and a fighter ranked highly by the organisations – Otto Wallin fits that description perfectly. A fight is a big possibility. Otto almost stopped the best heavyweight in the world and Joshua's countryman, Tyson Fury, and is quietly confident of going one better against AJ if we can get the fight signed."
Jermaine Franklin vs Dillian Whyte II
"We knew Jermaine would trouble Dillian and he did more than that. Almost every media outlet, fan and pundit felt Jermaine did enough to win the fight. Whyte has since made a list of excuses for not being 100 percent ready, so let's see Whyte prove that it was an off night by taking the rematch. Eddie has mentioned he wants AJ v Whyte in the summer. Franklin will provide an acid test to see if Whyte is truly ready for AJ."
Vladimir Shishkin vs Canelo Alvarez
"Canelo Alvarez will want to avenge his defeat to Dmitriy Bivol this year after he suffered a clear defeat. Vladimir Shishkin, who proved his pedigree in 2022 beating Jose Uzcategui and positioning himself as the IBF mandatory, has a style very similar to Bivol. If Canelo and Eddie Reynoso want to build towards a Bivol rematch later this year, Shiskin makes the most sense. Shishkin, though, is coming to upset the odds."
Claressa Shields vs Natasha Jones
"I've been in contact with Boxxer's Ben Shalom about one of the biggest fights to be made in women's boxing in 2023: Claressa Shields vs Natasha Jones. Natasha had a terrific 2022, picking up titles and end of year awards. She has improved greatly under trainer Joe Gallagher. Shields shone against Savannah Marshall as she always does and her stock went up in the UK. I believe Shields and Jonas is the natural fight to make next. All parties want this match-up and I'm confident we'll see this firecracker of a fight made this year. This is another promotion that will continue to elevate women's boxing."
Shohjahon Ergashev vs Regis Prograis
"Shohjahon Ergashev is one of the biggest punchers in boxing and the best junior welterweights in the world. That would be one of the most interesting fights in the division."
