Otto Wallin returned from defeat to Derek Chisora with an emphatic KO against overmatched Chris Thomas.
Wallin, a former defeated foe of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, looked to get himself back in the winning column in a routine run-out in the US on Friday night.
Anthony Joshua’s ex-rival Otto Wallin leaves helpless opponent wincing in agony with body shot KO
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Wallin got back to winning ways in a routine run-out which ended in brutal fashionCredit: Boxing Insider
The Swede still believes he has more to give at world level, despite being brutally stopped by Chisora in February.
After linking up with new trainer Ronnie Shields, Wallin was hopeful of an emphatic performance and delivery of a statement to the division stateside.
But in truth, it was difficult to click through the gears with his rival Thomas making a big step-up.
The once talented middleweight prospect ballooned up to 240lbs during the pandemic and is now boxing in the blue-riband division.
But he looked out of shape and out of his depth as he stepped in to the ring with the far more well-drilled Wallin.
Otto Wallin’s KO of Chris Thomas
Wallin ultimately delivered the hammer blows within two rounds.
It felt inevitable from the opening bell that Thomas would be wiped out quickly and so it proved.
He started to turn the screw at the conclusion of the opening round with a big barrage sending ominous messages.
But in the second round, it was a crushing left hand to the body which saw Thomas quickly drop to the canvas.
He looked to be content with a finding a way out, having also fallen awkwardly on his leg on his way down to the canvas.
Thomas failed to beat the count and stayed down on the canvas, with Wallin celebrating after getting a taste of victory again.
What next for Otto Wallin?
Wallin for now is not yet ranked at the leading end of the pecking order with any governing body.
After losing to veteran Chisora, it promises to be a long way back for Wallin, who will hope for one last assault on the leading fighters in the division.
The 34-year-old can still enter his physical prime, and has regularly suggested he wants rematches with the likes of Joshua and Fury.
That is despite being brutally beaten up by Joshua in 2023, although he gave Fury huge problems four years prior.
It was the breakout moment of his career cutting the ‘Gypsy King’ and making him dig into deep waters to preserve his undefeated record at the time.