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Tyson Fury's Opponent Otto Wallin Hits Back At Anthony Joshua And Says He's 'On This Level' Ahead Of Fight

Tyson Fury's Opponent Otto Wallin Hits Back At Anthony Joshua And Says He's 'On This Level' Ahead Of Fight

The unbeaten Swede stands between Fury and a rematch next year with Deontay Wilder when they meet on September 14th.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Tyson Fury's next opponent, Otto Wallin, has claimed that he 'doesn't care' about Anthony Joshua's jibe about him being a 'lower-tier' heavyweight and is ready to show he's on the same level as Fury and AJ.

Earlier this month Joshua claimed 'I can't fight Wallin, don't think I can ever fight lower-tier heavyweights,' because of the criticism he would face.

The Swedish boxer, who faces Fury on September 14th, has hit back at the jibe. Talking to BBC Sport Wallin said, "I don't care too much. He probably means I haven't been at that elite level.

"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 has previously sparred with Joshua and also fought the 2012 Olympic champion twice at amateur level.

The unbeaten Swede, with a 20-0 record, has never faced anyone of Fury's calibre and said the Brit is potentially the best in the world, adding, "I have been preparing for this. Now it's just I am fighting the best I have ever faced.

"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."

The criticism from Joshua was more aimed at Fury with the lineal champion having last fought Tom Schwarz and next fighting Wallin, both who have been seen as lower level opposition.

Should Fury get through the Swede he will next face Deontay Wilder in a rematch at the beginning of next year, as long as the American beats Luis Ortiz in December.

Is AJ right about Wallin being a lower level heavyweight?

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Topics: Heavyweight boxing, Tyson Fury, Luis Ortiz, Boxing News, Andy Ruiz, Anthony Joshua, Boxing, Otto Wallin, Jarrell Miller, Deontay Wilder, heavyweight champion