Cool, calm and collected, heavyweight Otto Wallin is happy to take everything in his stride but knows he needs to take some risks to achieve the ultimate reward of becoming a world champion.
Wallin’s nickname ‘All In’ seems to contrast hugely with his quiet and reserved persona outside the ring. However, he is a different character once he steps through the ropes.
“It’s about risk and reward,” Wallin told BBC Sport.
“When you get an offer for a good fight, that’s what you have been waiting for so you are going to take it. I think I have a smart team around me that advise me.
“I haven’t won all of them, but I always believe I learn and can get better.”
Wallin, 34, headlines at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena against Derek Chisora on Saturday in a bout that has been elevated to an IBF title eliminator, with the victor in line to face either champion Daniel Dubois or Joseph Park, who square off on 22 February in Riyadh.
Sweden has not celebrated a heavyweight world champion since Ingemar Johansson in 1960. Wallin believes “it’s time we have another one”.
The build-up for the event billed as ‘The Last Dance’ has largely centred around Chisora, who will make his 49th ringwalk and last on UK soil, with the 41-year-old planning to retire after his 50th bout overseas.
For Wallin, he is happy to allow his rival to take the limelight as he focuses on the job in hand.
“The crowd will be on his side. I like that, though. There is less pressure,” Wallin added.
