Anthony Joshua will get even better, warns sparring partner Otto Wallin
Tuesday 12 April 2016 12:53, UK
After Anthony Joshua's world title win, we tracked down main sparring partner Otto Wallin to offer insight into his explosive sessions with 'AJ'.
The unbeaten Swedish southpaw was hired by Joshua ahead of his stunning second-round stoppage of Charles Martin at The O2.
Wallin was joined in camp by Americans Joey Abell and Lenroy Thomas, but it was the Swede who would share the ring with Joshua in fight week, just four days before his meeting with Martin.
The pair fought each other twice in the amateur ranks, with Joshua claiming two wins on points, and Wallin admits the 26-year-old Brit has made big strides in his career since then.
"He's improved a lot," Wallin told Sky Sports. "Our last fight was in 2010, something like that, and he's been improving all the way around.
"Back then he was strong and fast, but I think he's better technically and even stronger and even faster now. He's clever too now.
"I knew it would be a very good experience for me and I would learn a lot. He knew me from before and I recognised him as well. He's a great guy, he's friendly and intelligent.
"He's relaxed around the gym, of course sparring is a different story. But when we weren't sparring he was relaxed, a very nice guy, laughing and friendly."
Wallin had helped Joshua at the start of his camp and the pair posed for a picture after one of their sessions in March.
The 25-year-old was called back for further sessions and Joshua was a far more dangerous adversary as he sharpened his skills for Martin.
"We sparred the last time on the Tuesday before the fight, it was good," said Wallin. "He had been working very hard for the fight and I could tell that, he was sharp. He punches very hard and the main thing is - he's accurate and he's fast.
If you're sitting back with him, he is going to get you out of there quick.
"You could see that in the fight with Martin, he couldn't see those shots. I think he's a lot faster now than when we fought as amateurs.
"You've got to be clever when you're sparring him, move your head, and be elusive to make him think. If you're sitting back with him, he is going to get you out of there quick. Joshua's a big puncher, but he's fast, accurate, everything."
In his previous fight, Joshua had been wobbled by a left hook from Dillian Whyte, and Wallin suggested this punch was still causing him problems at the start of camp.
But the 2012 Olympic champion quickly tightened up his defence and by the end of their sessions, the Swede was fully aware of Joshua's destructive right hand.
Wallin said: "I was catching him with some left hooks from the beginning, but that was like a week, and then he started to block it, slip it, so he adapted really well. He's a quick learner."
Reflecting on the straight right that knocked out Martin, he added: "That punch he caught me with a lot from the beginning in sparring. He does that very well, he's very quick and powerful, you don't see it coming."
Martin's first defence as IBF champion was over in less than six minutes and Wallin was far from impressed with the American, who rose slowly from a second knockdown before the fight was waved off.
"I didn't know Martin that well, so it was hard to pick, but I knew Joshua would be ready and we saw what he did to him, Martin didn't have a chance," said Wallin.
"It's easy for me to say now, because I know Joshua well, but for Martin it would have been nice to see him go out on his shield.
"He didn't look too hurt, but he was intimidated. You can understand that, he's a big puncher and it's a big stage. But try and go out like a champion."
Joshua has made swift progress in the professional ranks, collecting a world title in only his 16th fight, and Wallin feels the 26-year-old is nowhere near his peak.
The Nordic fighter can extend his perfect 14-fight record when he faces Irineu Beato Costa Junior in Stockholm later this month and refused to rule out another bout with Joshua, without the head guards.
"I think Joshua has come a long way, but he's still got potential to improve," said Wallin. "He's only going to get better and he can potentially rule the division."
Asked if he could face Joshua in the future, Wallin replied: "Yes, you never know what the future holds."
