Joshua: I’ll end Klitschko’s career
ANTHONY JOSHUA says he will end the illustrious career of Wladimir Klitschko tomorrow. Joshua said yesterday: ‘It’s not the defining fight for me because whatever happens it’s not the end of my career. It is for Klitschko because if he loses it’s the end.
“I may not be the best but what I do well I do brilliantly. It is just me and a man coming to blows and the best man will win. It is just another stepping stone towards greatness.” Joshua’s head coach Rob McCracken says it is a fight too far for Klitschko, 41.
“As great a fighter as Wlad’s been, Father Time is a terrible person when he turns up, and he already has,” said McCracken.
“It’s going to be tough for Wladimir. He doesn’t know if it’s still there or not. Klitschko has been a tremendous fighter, but Anthony didn’t turn pro to go through the motions and take fights where he’s 100 per cent certain of winning.”
But Klitschko’s brother Vitali said: “I know Joshua is good but he has never fought anyone like Wlad.”
WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO produced a USB stick that has the prediction for the result of his heavyweight clash with Anthony Joshua on it.
He would not reveal what he says in the video but he is supremely confident Joshua’s reign as IBF heavyweight champion will come to an end tomorrow.
If Klitschko does upset the odds and also claims the vacant WBA title that is on the line, he could be one of the most hated men in Britain by 11pm.
Joshua is the new darling of British sport and this is set up to be his night, but Klitschko says he is not worried because he believes the 90,000 fans will still appreciate him, even if he rewrites the fairy tale.
“I would say this is my most important world title fight,” said Klitschko. “I walked into the Wembley arena on Tuesday night when we had an open training session and in a certain way I was booed at the beginning.
“But I was cheered at the end when I had finished my workout.
“It is deja vu in a way. I saw it with my brother Vitali here years ago when he fought Herbie Hide. I saw it again with Vitali when he fought the Pole Tomasz Adamek in Poland, and I saw it in Germany when I fought the German Axel Schulz and I was booed terribly, but I was cheered at the end.
“I understand fans being supportive of their countryman but I also understand that sport has an international language, and that is in the performance you give. People then accept you and they cheer you.”
Klitschko’s USB stick, which he waved around at yesterday’s meeting of the pair, is clearly a mind game in a bid to show Joshua just how confident he is.
He says he will seal the stick in the robe he will wear to the ring and then auction it off for his charitable foundation, with the winning bidder the only one who will see the video.
“This is not about memory stick and Joshua,” said Klitschko. “This is memory stick and the buyer of the robe.
“Don’t call me Nostradamus – I’m not. I just have this strong feeling that was shaped in the video message I took and recorded last week.
“I will repeat it one more time – don’t ask me what it is. Only one person can see it.
“If they want to see it, then put it on social media – that is up to them.”
He added: “This is not about mind games. This is my game that I just wanted to bring along. I don’t know if it is stupid or smart but I am extremely confident. I’m comfortable and confident.”
The Ukrainian may deny it is a bid to wind up the young champion, but Joshua feels it is an attempt to “bring me out fighting” and it won’t work.
“I’ve heard it before with Kevin Johnson when he said he had written a book telling the world how to beat me,” said Joshua.
“I don’t think he’ll ever reveal who bid for it if his recording does exist.”
The pair met up at Sky’s HQ and Klitschko exchanged some friendly words with the Watfordborn Joshua, whom he has sparred with.
“I asked him what size of T-shirt he is wearing,” added Klitschko. “It looks like L or maybe S.
“We know each other well. Now we are standing before our biggest challenge.
“I’ve never seen AJ as big as he is right now. He is as big as Arnold Schwarzenegger at his best.
“He’s a puncher, but I’m a boxer that can punch.”
One last mental blow? Joshua does not seem bothered.
SKY SPORTS BOX OFFICE will show Joshua v Klitschko exclusively live. To order the fight go to www.skysports.com/ joshua.