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Boxing

Otto Wallin could beat Anthony Joshua, claims promoter

Alexander Netherton
Otto Wallin could beat Anthony Joshua, claims promoterDAZN
The former champion may need to consider another opponent before his rematch.

Otto Wallin could be a contender to face Anthony Joshua should his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk be delayed.

Usyk is currently in Ukraine following the invasion of his country by Russia, and there is no indication of a swift resolution to the war. Men of fighting age are largely denied the chance to leave Ukraine at the moment meaning there is no guarantee that the IBF, WBA and WBO champion will be able to face off against Joshua in May or June, nor are there guarantees he would be ready to do so if he has been unable to train.

Joshua might think that he needs an interim fight to remain sharp, especially as he now works with new head trainer Angel Fernandez.

Wallin has just one defeat to his name, against Tyson Fury in 2019, and he was able to push the current WBC champion hard with an impressive performance.

His promoter Dmitry Salita told Sky Sports: "Otto is a Southpaw like Usyk," Salita said.

"Numbers don't lie and according to the stats he landed more punches than anyone against Fury, including [Fury's first against] Wilder and [Wladimir] Klitschko put together.

"I believe Otto has all the skills, confidence - and with the last fight - the experience of fighting on UK soil to beat Joshua.

"If the fight with Usyk does not happen Wallin vs Joshua is the most intriguing fight in the heavyweight division

"And obviously the cancellation of the Whyte fight with Otto made him that much more hungry for the spot at the top of the heavyweight division."

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