‘Joshua will beat Wallin’

Two-time world featherweight champion Leigh Wood has said that Anthony Joshua will be clear, decisive and knock Otto Wallin out in their December 23 fight in Saudi Arabia.

Joshua has been working with trainer Ben Davison, who also happens to train Wood, ahead of the bout in Riyadh with Deontay Wilder vs Joseph Parker happening on the same card.

Under Davison, Wood has been hugely successful, going from losing in a British title fight earlier in his career, to then becoming WBA featherweight world champion and pulling off some incredible victories, and Joshua will be hoping for similar success.

Wood believes Joshua is learning a lot from Davison and has predicted the British-Nigerian will knock out Wallin in their next fight.

“The approach he’s got with Ben, he’s like a sponge – he’s absorbing all the information,” Wood told Boxing News.

“A lot of people look at it and think, ‘He’s training with Ben, is he mad?’ but like I’ve said, Ben (is) way ahead. I’ve said this many times, and people can quote me, because I know in ten years’ time they’ll be like, ‘Leigh Wood told us.’

“I didn’t have to tell you. Look at my fights I’ve had; I’ve been the underdog time and time again, (but) I’m getting these results. Is it because I’m superhuman, or is it because I’ve got a mint team? Do the maths.

“I can see a lot of similarities between Joshua and myself in the way he’s learning. He’s always asking questions and wants to know how it works. Sometimes you’re trying to learn something and it doesn’t click straight away, then it’s a good feeling when you get it.”

Wood further spoke on the shift in Joshua’s approach, highlighting the newfound confidence and clarity.

“He’s on the right path, and I can’t wait for his fight in December. I think you will see AJ be more clear and decisive with what he’s doing in there because I feel like he’ll know what he needs to do.

“Whereas in previous fights, he’s (seemed) a bit apprehensive. (It’s like he’s) thinking, ‘It doesn’t feel right,’ or half-guessing and not confident in what he’s doing but just doing it anyway.

“I know for this fight he will be clear and decisive, knowing what he needs to do and going out and doing it. A lot of people will say, ‘AJ’s looking more like his old self,’ and that will be because of these things he’s doing (with Davison). Without a shadow of a doubt, it’s an AJ knockout (against Wallin).”