Derek Chisora Warns Otto Wallin: “You’ll Need to Hit Me Like a Truck to Stop Me”
As Derek Chisora’s final boxing match approaches, the seasoned heavyweight exudes confidence before his upcoming clash with Otto Wallin at the Co-op Live Arena. During the press conference, Chisora, emanating his trademark intimidating aura, delivered a stark message to his Swedish adversary.
“I’m going to end this fight early. I’m being sincere,” Chisora declared, donning a Reform UK cowboy hat. “You’ll need to strike me with the force of a truck to halt my advance. How does that sound, lad? I’m coming for you, regardless of the consequences.”
This combative attitude has been a hallmark of Chisora’s 18-year career, which began on the undercard of Michael Katsidis vs. Graham Earl. In contrast, Wallin’s journey started in 2013, progressing through Northern European and Scandinavian circuits before establishing himself in America. His career has been marked by periods of frustration.
Entering his 49th professional bout, Chisora continued, “I’m certain your trainer has studied my fights, but he hasn’t prepared you to prevent me from achieving my objective. My goal is to reach you, and I will, no matter what. When I step into the ring, I’ll hunt you down and strike wherever I choose. You’ll see.”
Wallin, a strategic southpaw who has proven capable of challenging top fighters without securing victories, asserted that he would win by any means necessary. To succeed, he’ll need to employ a combination of fair and unorthodox tactics over 12 grueling rounds.
The version of Wallin that gave Tyson Fury a challenging start in 2019 and outboxed Murat Gassiev for portions of their 2023 eliminator could potentially achieve this. However, if Wallin performs as he did against Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia, he might find himself overwhelmed by Chisora’s metaphorical truck sooner than anticipated.
Promoter Frank Warren offered some nostalgic remarks about his long-standing relationship with Chisora: “He’s been an extraordinary warrior for British boxing. We’ve had some truly entertaining moments, as well as frustrating ones. I’ve experienced ups and downs with him, but I think it’s fitting that his final fight is with Queensberry. This is a quality matchup, with the added incentive of an IBF title eliminator.”
