Atlantic City, NJ, USA (June 25, 2024) - Otto Wallin 26-2 (14 KOs) is set to return to the ring after his recent setback against former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. Wallin will face Ghana's Richard Lartey 16-6 (13 KOs) in an eight-round bout at the Tropicana Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. This fight should serve as a tune-up for Wallin, who is aiming to reestablish his position as a credible contender in the heavyweight division.

Wallin's Comeback

Wallin's career has seen him develop into a solid fringe contender, gaining recognition for his performances against top-level opposition. His only losses have come at the hands of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, both of whom are former heavyweight champions. Wallin's victory over Murat Gassiev last year significantly boosted his credibility, leading to his high-profile bout with Joshua.

Known for his ability to control the distance with his southpaw jab and his consistent volume of punches, Wallin can be a difficult opponent for many at the top of the division. However, his lack of punching power has prevented him from securing definitive victories against the division's elite. In his fight against Joshua, Wallin struggled to keep the British contender at bay, ultimately suffering a fifth round stoppage.

Richard Lartey: A Test for Wallin

Richard Lartey, while not as highly regarded as Wallin, brings his own set of challenges. With a record of 16-6 and 13 knockouts, Lartey is known for his punching power and aggression. Despite his lower standing—he is considered around 200 in the world according to BoxRec —Lartey's ability to change fights with his  power makes him a potential risk. Earlier this year, Lartey scored a respectable stoppage victory over Poland's Andrzej Wawrzyk, showcasing his potential.

Crucial for Wallin

Wallin enters this bout as the expected winner, aiming to control the action with his southpaw jab and secure a late stoppage or unanimous decision. This fight is crucial for Wallin to maintain his relevance in the division and to keep his name in the mix for more significant opportunities, possibly on Saudi-promoted cards where top heavyweight bouts are increasingly drawing larger global attention.

Wallin's game plan will likely revolve around using his mobility to keep Lartey at distance while capitalizing on openings with well-placed combinations. In his fight against Murat Gassiev, Wallin demonstrated his potential power by stunning Gassiev with a precise uppercut, hinting that he could develop into more of a knockout threat if he starts sitting down on his punches.

For Lartey, this fight represents an opportunity to make a statement by challenging a top-20 heavyweight. His only path to victory would likely involve closing the distance and landing his powerful shots early to disrupt Wallin's rhythm.

Future Prospects

A win for Wallin would help hold his current ranking and potentially set up another high-profile fight. His goal is to string together a few wins and climb back into the big money sweepstakes

As the heavyweight division moves on, Wallin must remain active and impressive to stay relevant. This tune-up against Lartey is a step in that direction, providing Wallin with an opportunity to showcase his skills and make a case for his place among the division's best.

Last minute change: Otto Wallin will be facing Onoriode Ehwarieme 20-4 (19 KOs) on July 26th.