Anthony Joshua will by no means have it easy when he returns to the ring to face heavyweight Otto Wallin in the main event of boxing’s ‘Judgement Day’ in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
Former heavyweight champion Joshua will be looking to secure his third victory in 2023, having already defeated Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius earlier this year.
Wallin could prove to be a tough opponent, however, as he has already established himself when facing some of the most talented heavyweights in the world.
Most notably, his performance against Tyson Fury in 2019 caught the eye, leaving the Mancunian with a tremendous cut to the eyebrow after a tightly-contested fight.
Wallin has also proven himself on the big stage, having won the WBA Continental heavyweight title in 2017, the European Union heavyweight title in 2018 and the WBA Intercontinental heavyweight title in 2023.
Walin came close to Fury win
That loss to ‘The Gipsy King’ remains the only defeat of the 33-year-old Swede’s career, who has fought 27 times. He has bounced back from that slip blemish on his record with six wins – the latest being a split decision win over former cruiserweight champion Murat Gassiev in September.
And Wallin is confident that he can beat Anthony Joshua, even with a knockout, in what will be his biggest fight since his defeat to Fury four years ago.
“I don’t think it’s going to be a surprise, he’s probably the favorite, but I’m a very good fighter, and I’m going to beat him,” he told Queensberry Promotions. “And it shouldn’t be a surprise, I don’t like people calling it a ‘surprise’, because it’s not a surprise, I’m going to win either way.”
Wallin records and statistics
Name: Einar Otto Wallin
Age: 33 years old
Debut: June 15, 2013
Record: 26-1-0
Category: heavyweight
Height: 6’5”
Reach: 78”
KO average: 53.85 per cent