Otto Wallin has reacted to news that his next opponent, Anthony Joshua, will have yet another new trainer for their recently announced meeting in the ring next month.
Wallin has been knocking on the door of the biggest fights in the divisions ever since he faced Tyson Fury in 2019. The now 32-year-old Swede put in a much better-than-expected showing and pushed Fury across all 12 rounds, losing a points decision but almost stopping his opponent with a savage cut.
Since then he has stayed busy and unbeaten with wins over Dominic Breazeale, Rydell Booker and Murat Gassiev last time out.
It recently emerged that Joshua will be training with former Tyson Fury coach Ben Davison ahead of this fight. Davison will be ‘AJ’s fourth trainer in his last five fights.
Speaking to Pro Boxing Fans, Wallin was asked if that news meant this was the right time to be facing the former champion.
“I think it is, for sure. He has not been the same lately. He’s very unsure of himself. He doesn’t know what his style is. Changing trainer again is not going to be a good move, especially going up against a southpaw, he only has six weeks. How much can you learn in six weeks? If he was confused before he’s going to be even more confused now.”
Joshua will hope to be adding to his skills but Wallin said he has already lost too much.
“I don’t think it’s too late to add to his arsenal but he’s lost a lot of what he had. He was aggressive, knocking people out. But I don’t want to give him any tips right now. I don’t think it’s a good time to be changing trainers.”
Finally, he explained how he was going to win.
“Be myself. I’ve been working for this my whole life, I’m so happy it’s finally happening. I’m getting my shot to show who I am – one of the best heavyweights in the world and I’m going to do whatever it takes.”
Having already lost twice to a southpaw in Oleksandr Usyk, Joshua will need to be on his a-game if he wants to keep world title fights within his grasp.