18 December 2023 , 14:18
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Anthony Joshua's decision to fight Otto Wallin has been questioned by former heavyweight world champion Hasim Rahman Jr.
Joshua will return to the ring this weekend for his third fight of 2023 when he faces tricky southpaw Wallin in Saudi Arabia. Should Joshua win, and as long as Deontay Wilder overcomes Joseph Parker on the same night, the rivals are set to clash on March 9.
But concerns have been raised about Joshua's choice of opponent in Wallin, with Rahman questioning why he accepted the Swede as an opponent. "I don’t really understand why Joshua took that fight, that’s really not a fight that I think you can look good in," he told Pro Boxing Fans.
"That is one of them trap fights. I’m going to be watching that fight because Wallin is definitely a guy that can make you look bad. I think he [Joshua] will win, I just don’t think that it is set up for him to shine." Joshua has cruised to victories over Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius this year - and sees Wallin as a stepping stone to a third reign as world champion.
“I’m looking forward to delivering my message to Otto Wallin,” he said. “I can’t predict the future but I know what I want to do. I believe I’m going to be three-time heavyweight champion and the first step is to put a demolition job on Otto Wallin.
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“It’s going to be a really good time to go to Saudi. It’s going to be big, we haven’t seen a card like this before. This is not a one-stop shop. This is a vision, this is my first stop and I will deliver the message. I’m determined to win and get back to my peak.”
Wallin, whose only defeat came against Tyson Fury in 2019, admitted the fight against Joshua was a bit of a surprise. He said: “It’s an easy fight to make for us. I didn’t expect to fight again this year. I’m in a great position and feel on top of the world. I have been waiting for this for a long time and I’m blessed to be in this position.”