Otto Wallin’s profession has largely been formed by one massive evening.
Virtually 5 years in the past, Sweden’s Wallin stepped into the ring with Tyson Fury at T-Cell Area in Las Vegas and gave the as soon as and future heavyweight titleholder one of many hardest fights of his profession. Fury walked away with a reduce over his eye and a severe scare – but additionally with a unanimous determination win.
Now that Fury, 34-1-1 (24 KOs), is getting ready for a rematch towards Oleksandr Usyk, 22-0 (14 KOs), on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Wallin can’t assist however assume again to his personal expertise within the ring with “The Gypsy King.”
Wallin, 27-2 (15 KOs), now coaching out of New York Metropolis, is getting ready for his personal massive battle. On February 8, he’ll face Derek Chisora on the Co-op Reside Area in Manchester, England. And what he realized from his battle with Fury – his first main opponent – nonetheless sticks with him.
“Like everybody can see, he’s a clumsy man,” Wallin, 34, mentioned of Fury. “He’s massive, however he containers very well. What I took from our battle was how good he’s at adjusting. Within the first half of the battle, I had a whole lot of success. However within the second half, he figured me out and took over. He’s nice at making modifications mid-fight.”
As for a way he sees Fury approaching Usyk of their rematch? Wallin admits it’s onerous to foretell.
“I don’t know. He may come out boxing, or he may attempt to be aggressive,” Wallin mentioned. “Truthfully, I’m not even certain he is aware of.”
Wallin additionally shared his ideas on Usyk, who continues to impress at heavyweight regardless of beginning his profession as a cruiserweight.
“I believe Usyk has in all probability gained a whole lot of confidence from the primary battle,” Wallin mentioned. “He’s a really sensible, excellent fighter. I additionally assume he’s getting stronger. I believe he harm Fury of their first battle.”
Whereas the world’s consideration can be on Fury and Usyk, Wallin is concentrated on his personal job. He’s taking up the skilled Chisora, a 40-year-old veteran with a 35-13 (23 KOs) document. Chisora, who lately defeated Joe Joyce, nonetheless poses a risk, and Wallin is aware of what’s at stake.
“What I bought from the Fury battle was expertise,” Wallin mentioned. “Simply going 12 rounds with among the best and going via the entire strategy of an enormous battle. It taught me loads. Since then, I’ve had some good moments and a few robust ones, however all of them have been studying experiences. I really feel prepared for this battle.”
For Wallin, each battle is one other step towards his final purpose. After his loss to Anthony Joshua final 12 months, a win over Chisora may open the door to even greater alternatives for main fights – one thing that delights him.
“I believe it’s wonderful,” Wallin mentioned. “Rising up, I dreamed of fights like this, and now I’m residing it. I’m happy with what I’ve achieved, however now it’s about preparing, successful this battle and hopefully incomes a fair greater one after that.”
Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Affiliation of America and writer of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (obtainable on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.
