ANTHONY JOSHUA will edge closer to world title glory with a knockout win against Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, says the man tasked with helping deliver another brutal finish.
SunSport has been given exclusive access inside AJ’s gruelling training camp ahead of his must-win scrap against the Swedish slugger.
A win would set up a mouthwatering February fight against Deontay Wilder – provided the American banger also does the business against former world champ Joseph Parker this weekend.
And AJ’s new coach Ben Davison, who famously guided Tyson Fury back from an inactive 28st to the brink of heavyweight glory against Wilder, isn’t expecting his new client to fluff his lines in the desert.
In an exclusive sit-down, the 33-year-old told SunSport: “I think there is a high chance that the fight ends early, if I’m honest.
“I think Otto is coming out with all the talk and all the confidence and – if he genuinely does believe those things – I would not be surprised if it went early.
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“I am not banking on that, I would not say we are specifically planning on that.
“I just think opportunities to capitalise on what we have been working on will present themselves.”
Davison says he has been left “excited” having worked with AJ over the last few weeks and believes the Watford brawler can continue on his journey to the very top.
“What makes AJ different to the other fighters I’ve worked with is his level of professionalism,” added Davison, who was only drafted in at the last-minute as AJ’s normal coach Derrick James wasn’t around to take the short-notice fight.
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Davison explained: “He’s a one per center. And I love that because it tells me the AJ story still has lots of life left in it.
“I know he is in love with the game.
“I know he is dedicated and the level of professionalism that he shows gives me a lot of excitement.”
Ben Hiney, AJ’s childhood friend and Performance Director, is even more confident of his chances against 32-year-old Wallin.
He said: “I definitely think there will be a KO.
“I am fully aware of the gameplan that we have going into this.
“My prediction is AJ inside six.”
A KO finish seemingly wouldn’t surprise AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn either by the sounds of it.
He told SunSport: “He’s a fighter, he’s a prizefighter, he is here to take someone’s head off.
“He is done trying to be the perfect role model and ambassador that he felt was his obligation to be.
“He is comfortable in himself and he wants to behave how he wants to behave.”
SunSport’s exclusive access to the inner workings of Team AJ has given a glimpse into how the former unified world champ keeps on top of his game at the age of 34.
And this includes the fuel needed to run the machine.
Wesley Cannonier is the Brit’s personal chef and revealed the boxer consumes TWENTY eggs a day – and is even allowed to indulge his sweet tooth.
Alongside breakfast, lunch and dinner, AJ will feast on two “snack sessions”, consisting of protein bars, fruit, nuts, vegetables and blended shakes.
Wesley plans his client’s diet to total 5,000 calories a day.
He told SunSport: “It’s around 20 eggs a day. Compared to other athletes it’s incredible what the man eats.
“He likes chicken and he’s not too fussy. But he doesn’t like added herbs on top [of his food].
“Every athlete has a sweet tooth, they can have snack drawers.
“But AJ’s discipline is one of the best I’ve ever seen. I’ll make protein bars that the whole camp like, carrot cake, all with 75 per cent less sugar.
“If you are that disciplined you can have a sweet tooth – but it’s not going to be every day.”
And come Saturday night in Saudi, Joshua will be hoping it is sweet victory he tastes to stay in the big time.
🥊ANTHONY JOSHUA VS OTTO WALLIN: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF THRILLING SAUDI CLASH🥊
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
