Otto Wallin says Anthony Joshua has 'developed a lot' since they fought in the amateurs but is 'vulnerable' now

13/12/2023 16:13

Anthony Joshua came out on top both times he fought Otto Wallin in the amateurs.

But, the Swede believes it will be different when the pair clash on December 23 in Saudi Arabia in boxing’s professional ranks.

According to Boxrec, the two men battled it out twice in the amateurs, the first time in 2010 in the Haringey Box Cup Tournament final, which AJ won by unanimous decision.

The second time they fought came a year later as part of a dual match between Sweden and England, and the bout ended with the same result as the first fight.

Speaking about their meetings in the amateurs, Wallin told talkSPORT: “I think we’re both different, this was very early on in our careers…

“So, I think that he has developed a lot, I’ve developed a lot.

“I remember him back then, he was more of a seek and destroy kind of guy, he was strong and aggressive and came to fight.

“Now he’s different, he’s more technical.”

Wallin then hinted that Joshua may be having doubts about his ability, as he said: “He’s not as sure of himself and I think he feels he’s vulnerable, he’s been beat by [Andy] Ruiz, beat by [Oleksandr] Usyk, so he’s very aware now.”

This idea of questioning Joshua’s mentality is something that was echoed by Deontay Wilder, who fights on the same card on December 23 against Joseph Parker.

Wilder told talkSPORT when asked about the Joshua vs Wallin fight: “I like that fight between those two guys and may the best man win.

“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.”