Arum has worked with the biggest names and seen most of his years in the industry. Among other things, he has worked with Muhammad Ali, Oscar De La Hoya, Evander Holyfield, Sugar Ray Leonard and Manny Pacquiao.
The American was impressively impressed by Otto Wallin's efforts against world star Tyson Fury yesterday.
- It was a magnificent achievement. Tyson is so much bigger than anyone else Wallin has met, but he showed heart, a good chin and attacked back against Fury. Now you have to keep Wallin as one of the foremost heavyweights in the world.
Where do you see him on the world rankings? Top 15? Top 10?
- No doubt in the top five. For example, I think if you matched him against Andy Ruiz, he would be a favorite in such a cheat.
And Andy Ruiz is the champion ...
- Precisely. I had a feeling that Wallin could perform well this way. I'm an old guy and remember when Ingemar Johansson came to New York and how everyone laughed at him. But he knocked Floyd Patterson and became world champion.
- I think Otto Wallin became a star tonight. He lost, of course, but this was his breakthrough. He can leave Las Vegas with his head high and has probably got many new fans after this effort.