Otto Wallin On Representing Sweden
An unlikely opponent for Tyson Fury turned heads when he almost pushed the lineal heavyweight champion to the limit. After time off to recover from an injury and COVID-19, Wallin is ready to represent Sweden and make his way back to contender status.
Wallin is set to face off against Travis Kauffman inside the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT on August 15. Training in New York City in his own personal gym, Wallin has been waiting for his chance to prove he is the real deal.
Wallin (20-1, 1NC) last fought in September, almost beating Fury. The 29-year-old cut Fury above his eye, which was deep enough that the fight almost got called. Wallin ended up losing via unanimous decision, while Fury needed 47 stitches. Before that, Wallin, a WBA Continental Heavyweight Champion, was coming off of a win against Adrian Granat and a no-contest (via headbutt) against Nick Kisner.
His fight against Fury was an admirable effort that showcased Wallin’s skills to the world. Dmitry Salita of Salita Promotions stated that Wallin could end up facing other champions if he were to win his return fight. Speaking with FIGHT SPORTS, Wallin discussed what it would be like to be a NORDIC world champion.
“It feels good to represent Sweden,” Wallin stated. “We haven’t had a heavyweight world champion since the 1950s, and now I want to be that new heavyweight champion. I’m happy that I get a good following and support from there.”
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For those within the Nordic region, FIGHT SPORTS has secured the NORDIC broadcasting rights to Benavidez v. Angulo and Wallin v. Kauffman on FIGHT SPORTS MAX. The area is one of over 40 countries FIGHT SPORTS has the rights to. You can download the app through the attached link.
Don’t miss the action on August 15 (Aug. 16 – check local listings).
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Scheduled to face Lucas Browne earlier this year, Wallin had to back out following a stress fracture in his left foot. Recovering, Wallin ended up testing positive for COVID-19 in March. That did not stop him from improvising when it comes to his workouts while in his apartment. That includes a weighted vest, shadowboxing, and a bike.
Kauffman (32-3) is 2-2 in his last four fights and is coming off of a loss against former title contender Luis Ortiz back in 2018. He has not fought since then, as he was healing from shoulder surgery. The 34-year-old made his boxing debut in 2006. This fight is not only another big challenge for Wallin, but it is one that he is extremely looking forward to.
“My fight with Kauffman is very important for me,” Wallin went on to say. “He’s been in the game longer than me. He’s been in tough fights, taken some punishment. I think that’s to my advantage that I’m more fresh. I’m faster, I got good footwork, good defense, good offense. I think at this stage in his career I’m just too much for him.”
Wallin v. Kauffman joins a card that features David Benavidez defending his WBC Super-Middleweight Title against Roamer Alexis Angulo in the main event.