Otto Wallin reveals the damage he sustained from punishing defeat to Anthony Joshua

Image: Daily Mail

Otto Wallin has provided insight into the toll he endured during his challenging defeat to Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia last month, confirming that he suffered a fractured nose in the bout.

In the headlining event of the Day of Reckoning, Joshua delivered a commanding performance, exhibiting clinical prowess that left the Swedish fighter battered. Wallin's corner informed the referee in the fifth round that he could not continue, signaling a dominant victory for Joshua.

Wallin has now disclosed that his nose was fractured early in the fight, a detail he was oblivious to due to the adrenaline rush of the bout. Speaking to Boxing News, he stated, "I have a fracture on my nose, it's not completely broken, but it's fractured. I noticed that I was bleeding, but when you are in the fight, you have so much adrenaline, and it was early in the fight. I noticed that it was uncomfortable, but I don't think it made a big difference."

A lovely straight-hook combination from Joshua rocked Wallin just before the end of the fifth round, prompting his doctors and team to assess him, ultimately deciding he could not continue.

Despite criticism from boxing great Lennox Lewis, who questioned Wallin's physique and punch output, Wallin acknowledged the wisdom of his trainer, Joey Gamache, in prioritizing his health.

Lewis told TNT Sports: 'I couldn't really judge with this fight if he's back or not. He definitely looked good. He did what he was supposed to do, go out there and take out a guy you've taken out in fights before. 

'The guy didn't have any definition in his body. I don't know if he worked hard or if he was in training camp or whatever, and I didn't see him throwing any punches that actually connected, because AJ looked good after the fight, like a movie star, like he wasn't even in a fight.'

Wallin expressed gratitude for having a trainer who puts his well-being first, recognizing that there is life beyond boxing.

Wallin, who had never been stopped before this fight, accepted the decision of his team to halt the bout, emphasizing the importance of health considerations in the sport.

Source: dailymail.co.uk

#Anthony Joshua
#Tyson Fury
#Otto Wallin
#Saudi Arabia
#Day Of Reckoning