Anthony Joshua faces Otto Wallin this weekend, a win providing opportunities to fight Deontay Wilder and potentially a world title for the third time, a loss leaving his future in the sport looking bleak.
With two victories under his belt in 2023, ‘AJ’ will step in against the Swedish southpaw a 3/1 favourite with the bookmakers.
Speaking to Boxing Social, John Fury – father of the current WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson – said Joshua will have grit in the fight given what’s at stake.
“Difficult. It’s that difficult of a job. AJ has something in him, he’ll bite down on his gum-shield cause he knows he’s got to.”
However, Fury senior is picking Wallin to score the upset, the reasoning behind the prediction being his partnership with former two-weight world champion turned trainer, Joey Gamache.
“I’m going Wallin. I’ve got to with the team he’s got, the trainer he’s got, and how awkward he is. He wants it doesn’t he. AJ is coming off disappointment. He’s just got in with a new trainer and, no disrespect to Ben Davison, he’s a good kid, he’s 25-year-old whatever he is, but he can’t match Joey Gamache. And that’s why I’m going Wallin.”
Joshua’s two victories this year came under Texan trainer Derrick James, however he has opted to work with former Fury coach, Ben Davison, for this fight in particular.
Davison was last in ‘The Gypsy King’s corner for his unanimous decision win over Wallin back in 2019. Despite losing on the cards, the heavyweight contender inflicted a gruesome cut on the Brit that threatened to end the contest and later required 47 stitches.