Otto Wallin Stops Chris Thomas in Two at the Tropicana

Atlantic City, NJ, USA - Atlantic City, New Jersey – Sweden’s Otto Wallin returned to the ring Friday night at the Tropicana and closed the show quickly, scoring a second-round knockout over Chris Thomas in their scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout.

Wallin, the southpaw, opened the fight behind a steady jab and patient forward pressure. Thomas, fighting orthodox, landed a right hand in the early going but soon found himself backed to the ropes as Wallin began to close the distance. A late flurry from Wallin ended the opening round with the momentum in his corner.

The second round saw more of the same measured stalking until the key moment. As Thomas tried to duck low to avoid incoming shots, Wallin caught him clean with a short shot inside. Thomas fell awkwardly, appearing to twist his leg on the way down, and remained on the canvas for the full count.

Official result: Otto Wallin (now 28-3, 16 KOs) def. Chris Thomas (15-3-2, 10 KOs) by KO 2.

It was Wallin’s first fight since his loss to Derek Chisora earlier this year and his first under trainer Ronnie Shields.

Otto Wallin: Career Status After the Win

This was a stay-busy fight and it played out exactly like one. Wallin controlled the pace, avoided damage, and closed the show when Thomas gave him the opening. That’s the job description for a comeback assignment.

The win doesn’t change Wallin’s place in the heavyweight hierarchy on its own, but it does get him active again. With a new trainer in Ronnie Shields and a clean, injury-free performance, Wallin can now move toward more meaningful opposition in early 2026. The aim will be a mid-level name—someone in the top 25–35 range—to test how much the new partnership is sharpening his tools.

At 34, Wallin remains a viable heavyweight with size, experience, and the kind of disciplined southpaw style that can still trouble contenders. Tonight was about rhythm, not résumé, and he handled it professionally.