Otto Wallin didn’t see the opportunity coming but he’s grateful for it.

Since giving Tyson Fury hell in 2019, the 32-year-old contender has asked for big fights, the kind that will make him a megastar. Yet, no matter how many times he tried, he was unable to land anything significant. It wasn’t until recently that Wallin gained the attraction of a somewhat big name.

Just a few short weeks ago, the former heavyweight title challenger accepted an arbitrary clash against Murat Gassiev. It was a close decision overseas, but Wallin managed to pick up the win.

From there, Wallin began to unwind. He believed there was absolutely no chance that he would return to the ring before the year came to a close and began mapping out his 2024. But, seemingly out of nowhere, Wallin’s phone began ringing in the middle of the night, on the other line were representatives from Anthony Joshua.

Immediately, the two sides emerged from their conclaves with a deal in hand for December 23rd in Saudi Arabia.

According to oddsmakers, Joshua should slice through the tenuous defense of Wallin and either score a brutal stoppage win or a clear cut decision. Wallin though, is anxious to prove his doubters wrong.

Although he’s giant in stature, Wallin (26-1, 14 KOs) isn’t the biggest puncher around. In fact, he hasn’t taken someone out before the sound of the final bell in over three years. He has, however, hurt several fighters before eventually winning a decision.

By and large, Joshua isn’t known for having the sturdiest chin. So while Wallin isn’t exactly looking for the knockout, he knows that if he lands anything flush, Joshua’s legs may very well give out.

“Of course,” said Wallin when asked by iFL TV if he can hurt Joshua. “I hurt Fury, I hurt Gassiev, I can hurt Joshua.”