Chisora v Wallin: Otto Wallin aims to end Sweden’s 65-year wait for heavyweight world champion
Cool, calm and collectible, heavyweight Otto Wallin is happy to take it all, but he knows he needs to take risks to get the ultimate reward of becoming a world champion.
Wallin’s nickname “All In” seems to be in stark contrast to his quiet and reserved character outside the ring. But once he walks through the ropes, he is a different character.
“It’s about risks and rewards,” Walling told BBC Sport.
“When you get a quote for a good fight, that’s what you’ve been waiting for, so you have to take it. I think I have a smart team around me who advises me.
“I haven’t won all of this yet, but I’ve always believed that I’ll learn and can be better.”
Wallin, 34, is headlined in Manchester’s collaboration live arena, against Derek Chisora on Saturday, a match that was promoted to IBF champion in the round The knockout stage, while the winners will face champions Daniel Dubois or Joseph Park in February in Riyadh.
Sweden has not celebrated a heavyweight world champion since Ingemar Johansson in 1960. Walling thinks “it’s time we have one more.”
The event, known as the “Last Dance”, is focused mainly around Chisora, who will tour the 49th in the UK Chapter 49, while the 41-year-old plans to be overseas Retire after round 50.
For Walling, he would be happy to keep his competitors focused on the work at hand.
“The crowd will be standing by his side. I like that. Less stress.”
