Exclusive: Otto Wallin: I’ll Be Ready To Fight For A Heavyweight Title Shot By Next Year

Otto Wallin’s journey to the world heavyweight title will take him to the United States where he hopes to get enough exposure to become a true contender in 2020.

The undefeated heavyweight boxer from Sweden will make his U.S. debut this weekend and is looking to challenge for a title down the line. Wallin is already well on his way to a title opportunity, given that he is ranked No. 5 by both the WBA and IBF at heavyweight. In a recent conference call, Wallin was asked by Fightful when does he feel that he will be ready to hopefully challenge for either title, both of which are currently being held by 

“I think I’m not very far. First of all, I just want to get back and be successful and have a few fights this year and I think by next year, I’ll be ready,” Wallin said.

At 20-0, Wallin is looking to make a splash after signing a promotional deal with Dmitry Salita’s Salita Promotions, making way for another heavyweight contender to compete in the United States. Wallin, a star in his native country of Sweden, will get to fight on national television on April 13 when he takes on Nick Kisner. Wallin said it’s important to make a good first impression stateside. 

“I’m used to fighting on TV back home. I think all of my fights made it on TV. Of course, over here is a new show and there’s going to be a lot of people tuning in. It’s very important for me to do a good performance. I will show to Salita Promotions and to Showtime that they made the right decision,” Wallin said.

Wallin’s fight will be a part of the televised undercard of the April 13 Showtime card from Atlantic City, New Jersey, headlined by Claressa Shields vs. Christina Hammer for the undisputed WBA, WBO, WBC, IBF and Ring Magazine Female middleweight titles.