Otto Wallin approached to fight Anthony Joshua
Former Tyson Fury opponent, Otto Wallin (24-1, 14KO), is reportedly in talks to fight Anthony Joshua (24-3, 22KO) on December 17.
The 31-year-old Swedish southpaw has been calling for the fight with Joshua all year, stating he needs to get revenge on his former amateur foe to complete their trilogy.
The heavyweight from Sundsvall told ID Boxing, “They’ve been in touch, Dmitry [Salita] and Eddie Hearn have talked about it.
“I don’t know what the latest is now, but I know they’ve spoken before about it and I think Dmitry was told that they were going to wait for the Fury and Joshua negotiations.
“I haven’t got any update lately, but I would love that fight, that would be really good for me I think and I know Joshua pretty well, he knows me and that would be a good fight.”
Wallin was relatively unknown outside of his native country until he was handed an opportunity of a lifetime against Tyson Fury in Las Vegas in September 2019 where he rose to the occasion and took the fight to 'The Gypsy King' causing a cut from a punch in round three that very nearly stopped the fight, which would have handed him the win. It was a cruching left hook to the right eye of Fury that split his skin wide open, requiring 47 stitches after the bout.
"I have proven myself to be a very worthy opponent at the highest level," he assured. "I gave Tyson Fury his hardest fight and sent him to the hospital to get 47 stitches on his eye."
Not only has Wallin fought Fury before, but he has also met Joshua in the ring twice. As amateurs, they first clashed in the Haringey Box Cup in June 2010, which the Londoner won widely on points over three rounds, then they met again just seven months later in Sweden where AJ inflicted another unanimous decision defeat on the Swede.
"I honestly believe it would be a war," said the vengeful fighter. "We had two wars in the amateurs where he got the decisions in both fights that could’ve gone either way. We also sparred 150+ rounds before he fought Charles Martin and even though it was sparring, nobody wanted to give an inch.
"I would love to do it in Sweden or my second home New York but I’m guessing I’ll be going to his backyard and that’s fine.
"My message to Eddie and AJ is simple. If Joshua wants a real fight against the most worthy and stylistically best opponent, it’s me.
"Me and my team would of course spend a lot of time studying Joshua even though I know him well already. We’re already on a good path in my training so we won’t have to change too much. We’ll make sure we have the right sparring partners and the best game plan.
"I think the timing is good for me. I agree that Joshua seems a bit lost and even in interviews he doesn’t look like himself like how I used to see him. Maybe it’s good or maybe it’s bad. Time will tell.
Since tasting defeat for the one and only time, Wallin has put together three wins on the spin.
"I’ve improved all the way around. I gained very valuable experience when I went 12 rounds with Fury and it has made me a lot better. I understand the game better now and I’m one of the top heavyweights in the world.
"I’ve been improving my whole career and I’ve already shown what I can do. I have a great team around me and I have a lot of belief in my ability. I’m full of excitement and I just can’t wait to show everybody my full potential. I’m going to become Sweden’s first heavyweight world champion since Ingemar Johansson in 1959 and to beat Joshua would propel me into a title fight in the near future.
"Matchroom and Eddie Hearn don't owe me anything. I’m deserving of this fight and I’m the best option so that should be enough."
The respectful fighter then paid tribute to the unified world heavyweight champion, "I absolutely think Usyk should be giving all the time that he needs. He’s showing bravery and honor in fighting for his country and standing up for his people. If the invasion of Ukraine drags on for years it might have to be a resolution and a deal made with Usyk but that should be the last thing he should have to think about right now."
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