Otto Wallin is ‘confident of victory’ if he steps in as Anthonoy Joshua’s next opponent, according to his promoter Dmitry Salita.
The Swedish heavyweight, alongside Deontay Wilder, is one of the few fighters to have troubled WBC champion Tyson Fury, drawing a big cut when he faced off against the British champion.
Joshua had been due to fight Oleksandr Usyk in May or June in a rematch for the IBF, WBA and WBO belts that he lost to the Ukrainian back in September last year.
However - despite being reportedly given permission to leave his home country even with the invasion of Russia - Usyk and fellow professional fighter Vasily Lomachenko are currently expected to remain with the Ukrainian army to defend their homeland.
That decision has put paid to Lomachenko’s proposed title fight with the unified lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr., and it seems Joshua could have to stay sharp against another opponent.
Joe Joyce has been backed to beat the former heavyweight champion by his promoter Frank Warren, while Salita thinks that Wallin could be a dangerous opponent, with Cuban veteran Luis Ortiz also under consideration.
Salita told Sky Sports: "Otto is ready and waiting to go to the UK and line up his rematch with Tyson Fury after he beats Anthony Joshua, should that opportunity present itself.
"Otto is in the gym with trainer Joey Gamache, who guided him to an incredible performance against Fury.
"Both Joey and Otto feel very confident of victory over Joshua. We have not gotten a call yet so this is all anticipation at this point.
"While Otto is confident, we understand it's a very sensitive situation with the Usyk rematch and wish everyone the best outcome in that regard.
"If Usyk's rematch with Joshua happens, then we'll watch it as boxing fans, but if there is an opportunity to fight Joshua, Otto will go to get the victory in what will be a memorable fight."