Otto Wallin has publicly addressed his fight against Anthony Joshua for the first time since their bout ended after five rounds on December 23rd.
From the onset, Joshua controlled the fight against Wallin and secured the stoppage after merely five rounds of boxing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
In his initial post-fight interview after his second career defeat, the Swedish contender declined to offer any excuses and commended his opponent for a remarkable performance.
Wallin said:
“I know that he is one of the best fighters out there.”
“I really have no excuses, he was just better.
He did really well, used his reach well, and he hit me with some really good shots. He was just better.
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“I think he had a good game plan. He felt like a very good fighter, and obviously, it was a much tougher fight than what I had with Tyson Fury.
Maybe he’s found his home with Ben Davison.”
Wallin’s nose was pouring with blood after round five, and his long-time coach, Joey Gamache, made the bold decision to pull his fighter out early.
The 33-year-old didn’t dispute the call at the time, and over a week later he still feels his trainer did the right thing.
“I didn’t disagree [with the stoppage],” Wallin added.
“Joey told me, ‘I’m going to stop it.’ And I didn’t say anything.
Joey has been with me for ten years, he’s seen me training and in almost all my fights – he’s never pulled me out of anything.
“I trust Joey, he is always looking out for me. I feel very happy that I have a trainer who puts my health first.
There’s a life after boxing, so I’m really appreciative that he is looking out for me.”
Wallin confirmed he suffered a fractured nose during the fight, and revealed a surgery to repair it has already taken place – but may need to go under the knife again.
“I’ve gotta heal up,” he said when asked what he plans to do next.
“I’m going to the hospital on Tuesday to deal with my nose.
“I had a surgery after the fight, and I might need another one.”
