The Last Dance

Wallin, 27-2 (15 KOs), who resides in New York, is battling his way back into heavyweight contention following his defeat to Anthony Joshua, which featured as part of Riyadh Season in December of last year.

The 34-year-old from Sweden came into the fight off the back of a strong victory over Murat Gassiev in Antalya, Turkey, where he secured a decision over the ferocious punching former cruiserweight world champion.

The Gassiev win was the culmination of a six-fight winning streak for Wallin - which included a success over Dominic Breazeale - following a major step-up in September 2015 when he took on Tyson Fury in Las Vegas.

It turned out not to be a routine victory for Fury, who was one fight into his trilogy sequence with Deontay Wilder, with the Gypsy King suffering a horrific cut that required 47 stitches and being considered fortunate to make it to the end of the fight.

Promoter Frank Warren added: “This is a heavyweight fight I expect to deliver in a big way. Obviously Derek needs absolutely no introductions and fully deserves such a showpiece occasion on a magnificent stage against a top class contender.

“He has stated that he wants to hit a half century of fights and that he wants one of his final two to be in Manchester, so we are delighted to make this possible for him and to stage our first promotion at the impressive Co-op Live arena, which I hope will be packed out for Derek.

“Otto has been on the brink of heavyweight glory before and backs himself to return to the top table. Unfortunately he just didn’t get going when he got his big shot at Anthony Joshua, so this presents a major opportunity for Otto to put himself back at the forefront of what is a booming division.”