ANTHONY JOSHUA is gearing up for a big Christmas fight as he prepares to step back into the ring.
Against him will be Otto Wallin, a tricky southpaw who gave Tyson Fury an almighty scare.
Who is Otto Wallin?
Otto Wallin is a Swedish heavyweight boxer, born on November 21, 1990.
Following a stint in the amateur ranks that included two losses to Anonthy Joshua, he transitioned to professional boxing in 2013 at the age of 22.
Wallin got his big break in 2019 by fighting WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
While Wallin demonstrated a strong performance in the match, causing a notable cut above Fury's eye, it was Fury who ultimately secured the win.
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“It was a great experience. There were a lot of things I did well in that fight, but some things I know I can do better, and I have been worked on,” Wallin told TNT Sports.
“I am more experienced now and more seasoned. In that fight, I blew a bit too much steam in the first six rounds and couldn’t keep it up. That’s something I have been working on, and I feel much more ready now.
"That was my breakout fight. It was a close fight, unfortunately I lost. It could have been stopped, as he had two pretty bad cuts.
"If you ask me, I would have liked it to be stopped. But he is a good fighter and showed a lot of heart. I respect him, but I would love to win this fight and fight Fury again.”
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What is Otto Wallin's net worth?
As of 2023, Otto Wallin's net worth is estimated to be around $3 million.
This amount can be attributed to his successful boxing career, endorsement deals, sponsorships, and other ventures.
In 2019, Wallin reportedly earned just shy of £200,000 when he fought Tyson Fury.
It is unclear how much he will earn for his upcoming fight against Anthony Joshua on December 23, 2023.
What is Otto Wallin's boxing record?
Otto Wallin has a pro record of 26 wins, 1 loss and 1 no contest from his 28 fights.
He has won 14 of those by knockout.
The only defeat on Wallin's record was against Fury.
Wallin was set to fight Dillian Whyte in October 2021, but the bout was called off after Whyte suffered a shoulder injury in the build up.
Otto Wallin's last 10 fights
30 Sept 2023 - Murat Gassiev (WON - split decision)
27 Jan 2023 - Helaman Olguin (WON - unanimous decision)
26 May 2022 - Rydell Booker (WON - unanimous decision)
5 Feb 2022 - Kamil Sokolowski (WON - points eight rounder)
20 Feb 2021 - Dominic Breazeale (WON - unanimous decision)
15 Aug 2020 - Travis Kauffman (WON - TKO round five)
14 Sept 2019 - Tyson Fury (LOST - unanimous decision)
13 Apr 2019 - Nick Kisner (no contest after Kisner cut from accidental headbutt)
21 Apr 2018 - Adrian Granat (WON - unanimous decision)
27 Jan 2018 - Srdan Govedarica (WON - KO round three)
On December 23, 2023, Wallin is set to fight Wallin Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua is a former two-time unified heavyweight champion.
The event itself will get underway from 4pm GMT.
🥊ANTHONY JOSHUA VS OTTO WALLIN: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF THRILLING SAUDI CLASH🥊
Is Otto Wallin married and does he have children?
Wallin tends to keep his personal life away from the spotlight.
However, it is known that he is currently in a relationship with Leilah Diong.
She works as a banker at JP Morgan and will likely be in attendance to cheer on Wallin when he faces Anthony Joshua on December 23.
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The couple have been dating since May 2020 and are potentially engaged.
Wallin does not have any children.