Otto Wallin eager to shine on Showtime

By G. Leon

26/06/2019

Otto Wallin eager to shine on Showtime

Greg Leon: You're back on Showtime on July 12th against BJ Flores. How has everything been going in training camp? Otto Wallin: Training camp has been different these last few weeks. I was in Copenhagen doing my strength and conditioning when I received the news that my father had very unexpectedly passed away on May 22nd. My father was my biggest fan and he told me many times that if something would happen to him I had to keep going so that’s what I’ve been doing. It’s been hard but I’m proud to say that I’ve managed to put in all the work I need and my fathers passing is giving me even more motivation to do well to honor him.  
 
GL: How disappointed were you following the premature ending of the Nick Kisner bout [no contest due to a cut]?
 
OW: "I was disappointed but at the same time those things happens in boxing so I just tried to stay focused on the next goal which is this fight on July 12. Hopefully this time around I will get a few good rounds under my belt." 
 
GL: What are your thoughts of BJ Flores as a fighter?
 
OW: "He’s a smaller but tricky guy. He’s got a lot of experience and has been around. He’s coming to win and I’ve got to be 100% ready."
 
GL: What would a win over Flores mean to you? What do you want it to lead to?
 
OW: "It would mean that I get a win over a good name and I establish my name in the top more than what I have today. My ultimate goal is to become world champion so every fight I have is very important to making that happen."
 
GL: Do you feel any pressure to put on an impressive performance following your first experience under the Showtime lights?
 
OW: "I always want to put in a good performance and that comes with the territory. What I need to do is not to get ahead of myself and put in all the work that’s needed to show my best sides in the fight. I’m very happy to be fighting on showtime and I really want to continue doing that."
 
GL: Other than victory do you have a prediction for this fight? 
 
OW: "My prediction is pain." (laughs)
 
GL: Is BJ Flores the kind of fighter you have to beat convincingly to be taken seriously as a top level heavyweight?
 
OW: "Yes, I think so. He’s only lost in world championship fights so for me to be able to say I can hang with the best then I need to beat him convincingly."
 
GL: What did you think about Andy Ruiz's big win over Anthony Joshua?
 
OW: "Andy did a great job. He’s a good solid fighter and he put it all on the line that night. That opens the division up even more and is showing that anybody can be beat. It will be interesting to see what happens in the rematch."
 
GL: Closing thoughts?
 
OW: "I want to thank all my supporters and everybody that’s helping me on this journey. I’m looking forward to put on a good show on July 12th"
 
(This interview Originally Published On June 12th)

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