Otto Wallin Claims Anthony Joshua’s Confidence ‘Seems Really Shot’

Otto Wallin doesn’t think Anthony Joshua is the same fighter as he believes the former champ’s confidence is shot.

Joshua snapped his two-fight losing skid earlier this month as he beat Jermaine Franklin by decision in a lackluster fight. Carl Froch was disappointed in Joshua’s performance as he thought Joshua has lost his killer instinct. Now, heavyweight contender Otto Wallin thinks most of it is due to the fact that Joshua has lost his confidence.

“I don’t think his physique has changed,” Wallin told iD Boxing. “I think it’s more his mental game. I think he’s lost a lot of confidence. You know, maybe it started when he had that tear-up with Klitschko and you know knocked Klitschko down, and he got knocked down, it was a really tough fight. Came out with a knockout win but then fought Ruiz, had him down, and then went after him, and then got caught himself and then ultimately got knocked out. So I think it has a lot to do with confidence. I think his confidence is really shot, and I think he really cares about what people think of him and what they expect of him. I think it’s all mental [with Joshua], to be honest.

“Looking back, maybe he shouldn’t have come in so heavy. What does it matter how heavy you punch if you can’t hit the guy? Maybe it slows him down a little bit,” Wallin continued. “Maybe he gets worried about his cardio when he’s heavy. So, I think that, I didn’t see a big difference, but maybe it’s better for him if he’s lighter. It’s not all about how much you weigh. You gotta have the speed, the timing, and the stamina to really perform.”

“Like I said, his confidence seems really shot,” Wallin concluded. “Like I said, I still think he’s a really good fighter. He is obviously one of the best heavyweights out there. He’s changed a little bit lately. He’s more aware. He doesn’t want to get tired. He doesn’t want to get knocked out. He seems very aware and worried about that.”

Currently, Otto Wallin is 25-1 and one No Contest is coming off a decision win over Helaman Olguin back in January. He does not have his next fight booked but thinks he is in the mix to box Joshua next time out.

“I’ve been in the mix for a while now with Joshua,” Wallin said. “It’s all up to them. Ball’s in their court. I really want that fight. I think I can do really well with him.”

Do you agree with Otto Wallin that Anthony Joshua’s confidence is shot?