By: Hans Themistode
Otto Wallin couldn’t believe what he was watching at first.
After deeming Anthony Joshua to be too big and too strong for the undisputed former cruiser champion, high-ranked heavyweight contender Oleksandr Usyk was left stunned when the two battled each other on the 25th. September 2021.
In front of a packed crowd at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Usyk easily unboxed his players. Despite the advantage in height, weight, and reach, and despite his massive muscles, Usyk stood firm and continued to use Joshua’s straight barbell.
At the end of 12 tough rounds, the victorious Usyk became the division’s new unified champion. Not wanting to sit back and allow his reign of champion to end too abruptly, Joshua immediately enforced his mandatory rematch clause.
Although an official date has yet to be set, the two will be dating again this summer. With the opportunity for redemption fast approaching, Joshua is confident in taking back what was once his. But while the former two-time heavyweight champion is determined, Wallin believes Joshua is putting on a fake face.
Wallin said in an interview with Thaboxingvoice: “He may have the tools to beat him but he lacks confidence. “I think if he can regain his confidence, be aggressive and brawl like Chisora did with Usyk, I think that will be the way to beat him.”
As Wallin evaded, Usyk was given all he could handle in the 2020 game against Dereck Chisora. The rough and rugged contender has pushed the former Olympic gold medalist back several times. In addition to her physical strength, Chisora also throws consecutive punches inwards, much to Usyk’s annoyance.
Though he will ultimately fail, Wallin believes Chisora has drawn up a plan to defeat Usyk. However, to Wallin’s dismay, Joshua refuses to use his physical attributes. Instead, Joshua chose Usyk from the outside.
With season two coming, Joshua has revealed that he plans to bring back the fight with Usyk in the first place. Regardless of what appeared to be new aggression, Wallin, who had fought Joshua in the amateurs, was reluctant to fight Usyk. Unless, of course, Joshua shows a bad temper.
“It was difficult against Usyk after that first game. Usyk actually had his number. Joshua will have to come up with something special. ”
