Swedish heavyweight Otto Wallin (12-0, 10 KOs) wants to make a statement by beating Vladimir Goncharov (5-1, 4 KOs) on Saturday night at the Rosvalla Stora Ishallen at the Nyköpings Arenor in Nyköping, Sweden.

 

The undefeated boxer from Sundsvall has impressed in the early stages of his career, moving to 12-0 against an ever-increasing level of opposition. In Goncharov, Wallin faces his toughest opponent to date, and the 24 year-old aims to prove he is ready for the step up in class with a dominant display against the former Russian Champion.

 

‘’I’m feeling good,’’ said Wallin. ‘’I’ve had a great training camp, great sparring, great everything! As the fight gets closer it starts to feel more real, and it’s a good feeling. The hard work is done, and now, I’m looking forward to showcasing my skills against another tough opponent.

 

‘’I’ve had twelve fights now, so I know how it works. The opponents get harder but I keep improving. I’ve been working hard with my coach Joey Gamache, trying to become a complete fighter. There is still work to be done but I’m pleased with my progress.

 

‘’My dream is become world champion, but I know there is no rush. I’m still only 24 years old. Right now, I just have to concentrate on one fight at a time and keep working hard in the gym. I know my time will come and one day I’ll be knocking on the door for a world title shot.

 

‘’Against Goncharov, I want to prove I’m ready to take the next step. The expectation is growing with every fight I win, but I don’t feel any pressure, I feel excited. On Saturday night, I want to make a statement with a decisive win.

 

‘’I’ve watched a lot of his fights. He likes to come forward and break people down. He’s coming here to fight and he’s coming here to win. Just like me, he wants to prove himself, so I’m expecting a competitive fight but I’m confident I will win.’’

 

Said promoter Nisse Sauerland: ‘’We’ve been stepping up the Otto’s level of opposition with every fight, and so far, he has risen to the challenge. Goncharov is the next step, and arguably, his toughest test to date.

 

‘’There is still a long way to go, but we have every faith in Otto’s abilities and believe he can follow in the footsteps of the great Ingemar Johansson and become Sweden’s next heavyweight champion of the world.’’

 

Tickets for ‘Making History’ featuring Erik Skoglund’s historic IBF Intercontinental Light Heavyweight title fight against Oleksandr Cherviak are available via biljettforum.se. All the action is available to watch live on TV10 in Sweden.