Undefeated heavyweight prospect Otto Wallin is a tremendous underdog in the upcoming bout with Tyson Fury, which takes place on September 14th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Fury made his Las Vegas debut back in June, when he demolished overmatched Tom Schwarz in two rounds.
There are many who believe Fury, a 25-1 betting favorite in some circles, is going to go through Wallin in the same fashion.
In a recent interview, former unified champion Anthony Joshua was highly critical of Fury's decision to fight Wallin.
The former champ holds two amateur victories over Wallin, and he also used the Swedish boxer as a sparring partner in a past camp.
Joshua believes Fury should be facing an opponent who is at the elite level.
Wallin is not offended by those words.
"I don't care too much," Wallin told BBC Sport. "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."
Fury is already discussing a scheduled rematch with WBC heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder - and that fight is being tabbed for February of 2020.
Wilder still has to overcome a rematch with Luis Ortiz, which is targeted for a date in November.
Wallin, if he pulls off the upset, would destroy any plan of a Wilder-Fury II.
"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," Wallin said.
"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."
