Anthony Joshua will defeat Charles Martin, says sparring partner Otto Wallin
Tuesday 22 March 2016 07:53, UK
Swedish heavyweight Otto Wallin is backing Anthony Joshua to dethrone IBF heavyweight champion Charles Martin when the pair meet in the spring.
Undefeated Wallin (14-0-KO10) has been drafted in to help Joshua prepare for his showdown with the American southpaw at the O2 Arena on April 9, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Wallin, who also leads with his right, lost to the Londoner as amateur but has rattled off 14 victories as a professional, 10 by knockout.
Joshua has won all 15 of his fights in the paid ranks after winning gold at the London Olympics in 2012, but has yet to face a southpaw since ditching the head-guard and vest.
'My job is to make sure he's ready for April 9," said the 25-year-old Wallin.
"He is fighting a southpaw, like me, so these sparring sessions will be important for him, but he's already in great shape, and I'm confident he can get the job done."
Wallin added on sauerlandpromotion.com: ''When this opportunity came, it was something I couldn't turn down.
''It's a great experience for me to come over to England and test myself against one of the best fighters in the division.
"We're getting some good work and I'm learning a lot. I couldn't ask for any better sparring.
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''Anthony is a great fighter and a great guy, so I'm happy to see he is doing so well.
"We fought twice in the amateurs, but we've both improved a lot since then, and his results speak for themselves; he is Olympic gold medallist who is now challenging for a world title in just his 16th pro fight."
