Otto Wallin eager to join boxing elite

Sweden’s Otto Wallin hopes to prove he belongs at elite level by pulling off an upset with a win over Tyson Fury next month.

Wallin is a huge underdog at 12.00 ahead of their meeting on September 14 in Las Vegas. Fury is rated at 1.05 and a draw is 34.00.

The 28-year-old has previously sparred with Fury’s British rival Anthony Joshua, who suggested Wallin is a “lower-tier” fighter but the Swede isn’t concerned by the criticism. “I don’t care too much,” Wallin told the BBC. “He probably means I haven’t been at that elite level.”

He added: “I haven’t been at the elite level in fights but I have sparred big names and know I am at their level – Anthony Joshua, Kubrat Pulev, Adam Kownacki, Jarrell Miller, all different guys, and I know I am on this level. “I am not worried about that, it’s just that people haven’t seen.

Anthony knows I am a good fighter. Yes, it helps a little with motivation. I have no pressure at all – I can only go in there and do my best.” Wallin is undefeated in 20 fights so far and has 13 wins inside the distance but he has never faced anyone of Fury’s calibre.

Many see this clash as a warm-up for Fury ahead of a potential rematch with Deontay Wilder, but Wallin is convinced he can cause a shock.

He added: “I am fighting probably the best heavyweight out there, at least the best boxer. He is a big guy, uses his size well. He is very skilled and can do a lot of things in there. He is tricky and has beaten good fighters but there are some things that people haven’t done to him.

“I am really confident in myself and my work ethic. I have worked for a long time and dreamed of this moment. Now it is finally here and I have to try and grab it with both hands.”