Author: Sean Close
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Otto Wallin acknowledged Anthony Joshua’s talent as one of the top heavyweights, but expressed that Joshua’s prime may have passed. Wallin, set to face Joshua in Saudi Arabia, pointed out that he believes Joshua is mentally fragile and lacks self-confidence, making him vulnerable to criticism and crowd disapproval.
Wallin sees this as the perfect opportunity to challenge Joshua, noting that Joshua has shown vulnerability in recent fights against Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Despite his own reputation as a non-knockout artist, Wallin is planning an aggressive approach, emphasizing Joshua’s susceptibility to being hurt. Joshua, however, is eager to prove his strength, pointing to his recent victory over Robert Helenius as evidence of his continued power and determination.
Joshua dismisses Wallin’s assessment, advising him to focus on his own skills and preparation rather than speculating about Joshua’s mental state. He believes that Wallin’s strategy emphasizes the wrong aspects of their upcoming fight, expressing his surprise at Wallin’s reliance on Joshua’s perceived mental weakness as a factor in their match. According to Joshua, a fighter’s success should depend on their own abilities and training, not on their opponent’s mental strength.
