Otto Wallin Comments on Potential Interim Fight v. Anthony Joshua

Chris Altman Sports Betting Expert

3 minute read

Otto Wallin: If Joshua needs an interim fight, I am the best option... I'm a southpaw and I fight similar to Usyk /// AJ looks a bit lost so the timing is good for me

Otto Wallin: I strongly believe I would be the best option - I’m a southpaw and I fight similar to Usyk

I strongly believe I would be the best option, simply because I think that Joshua would want an opponent to help him prepare for Usyk. I’m a southpaw and I fight somewhat similar to Usyk. That’s not easy to come by. 

If I was Joshua I would look at who’s similar to Usyk. I would say Parker is more like Usyk than Joyce but he’s not a southpaw and Joshua already beat him. Luis Ortiz doesn’t fight like Usyk, he’s been knocked out twice by Wilder and he was dropped by Charles Martin. 

I have proven myself to be a very worthy opponent at the highest level. I gave Tyson Fury his hardest fight and sent him to the hospital to get 47 stitches on his eye. 

I honestly believe it would be a war. 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. 

Wallin: I think the timing is good for me. I agree that Joshua seems a bit lost

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. 

Wallin: I've been improving my whole career, I understand the game better now and I’m one of the top heavyweights in the world. 

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 showed 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.

Wallin: Usyk should be given all the time he needs - he is showing bravery and honour

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. 

If you're looking for a good sportsbook to place a legal bet on this potential fight, check out BetMGM.

The featured image for this post was sourced on Instagram.

Chris Altman

Chris Altman is a sports betting writer and content expert with almost a decade of experience. He's covered everything, but his current focus is on reviewing sportsbooks and online casinos and keeping tabs on sports betting legislation. Chris has been with VegasInsider since 2019 and has freelanced in the sports betting content industry for years. More from Chris Altman