Deontay Wilder says Anthony Joshua could be in 'big trouble' if he looks past Otto Wallin

13/12/2023 14:08

Deontay Wilder is backing Anthony Joshua to beat Otto Wallin if he goes into the fight with the right frame of mind.

Joshua and Wallin are set to fight on December 23 in Saudi Arabia on the same card as Wilder vs former WBO heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker.

Wallin has previously taken Tyson Fury the distance, giving him a nasty cut in the process, and he fights from the southpaw stance, with which Joshua has historically struggled.

So, while AJ is expected to win, Wallin could represent a tough test, although Wilder believes it all comes down to the Brit’s mentality.

“I like that fight between those two guys and may the best man win,” Wilder told talkSPORT.

“I think Joshua, I see him winning this fight if his mind is in the right place.

“If he goes in there with self-confidence and the will to win and the motion to go and do what he’s got to do and get the job done then I see him winning that fight.

“But, if he goes in there thinking about what’s next, especially when it’s pertaining to me or any other thing outside of that then he might be finding himself in some big trouble.

“On the day of the fight we’ll find out, but I do have him winning that fight and hopefully everything serves its purpose right and he does come out and win.

“And once that happens, I come out with the win and he comes out with the win, great things are happening after that, that’s for sure.”

This is in reference to the fact that the expectation is Wilder and Joshua will fight next if they both emerge victorious on December 23.

'Day of Reckoning', Saturday 23rd December, as part of Riyadh season will be available live on DAZN and TNT Sports Box Office. For info on how to watch visit www.dayofreckoning.co.uk