Otto Wallin has emerged as a potential opponent for Anthony Joshua’s first bout in 2023.
The former unification champion and British superstar was eliminated from the heavyweight title competition for the first time in about eight years, after losing twice to Oleksandr Usyk.
As Usyk moves towards an undisputed bout with Tyson Fury, ‘AJ’ has time to rebuild himself after recent setbacks and earn a spot to challenge for a future championship.
It’s no secret that his team has spoken to many potential opponents for their goal of returning to the ring in April – one of them being Otto Wallin (24-1, 14 KOs).
In an interview through Band 36, Wallin’s manager, Dmitry Salita, has spoken positively about expected talks with Eddie Hearn over the fight between the pair.
“Eddie Hearn and I have discussed the possibility of Otto and Joshua and I am waiting to see if the offer comes to fruition. Eddie is talking about a three-battle plan for AJ in 2023 to rebuild him after his defeat to Usyk.
Eddie says he wants a top 15 competitor in the spring. If they want a reliable challenge, a familiar name and a highly organized boxer – Otto Wallin fits that description perfectly.
A war is a big possibility. Otto almost stopped the world’s best heavyweight and Joshua’s countryman, Tyson Fury, and was quietly confident he would beat AJ better if we could sign the contract.”
Wallin is best known to British fans after his decisive loss to Fury. Despite losing heavily on all three of the referee’s scorecards, the Swedish boxer caused a cut on Fury’s left eye, which could have brought the proceedings to an early end.
The current champion had to have 47 stitches to repair the wounds.
Wallin and his team have used it as a calling card for big fights in the league, and with four wins since that single loss, the south header could be a complete match. perfect for Anthony Joshua.
With Eddie Hearn’s plan for ‘AJ’, see a fight unfolding before a rematch with Dillian Whyte and a big fight with Tyson Fury or Deontay WilderWallin can fill that void – and he’ll do everything he can to break the comeback.
