Klitschko still my inspiration
ANTHONY JOSHUA has revealed he still uses Wladimir Klitschko as a role model and inspiration despite destroying him in the ring.
The WBA and IBF heavyweight champion puts his belts and reputation on the line on Saturday against WBO title-holder Joseph Parker.
Their fight in front of 80,000 fans at Cardiff ’s Principality Stadium comes 11 months on from the night Joshua picked himself off the floor to stop former heavyweight king Klitschko at Wembley. It was a titanic battle which Joshua finally ended in the 11th round.
Joshua may have taken over from Klitschko as the man to beat but he still seeks guidance from the Ukrainian’s ex-trainer Johnathon Banks.
“I chat to Johnathon a lot from back when I trained with Klitschko,” he said. “I use the conversations as a way to speak to Klitschko.
“How did he forever want to improve? I ask these questions.
“He told me they worked a lot on his jab and his movement before the fight with me.
“It’s humbling to know that he got beat a few times and managed to come back.
“There is no room for mistakes any more in this day and age. Why do I enjoy it? Because I want to be the best me. Even in these good times when I’m winning we’re not satisfied.
“It’s a challenge to myself, isn’t it? How far can I go? Is it an addiction? Yeah. It’s a fun addiction though. It’s a challenging addiction but it’s fun. I still enjoy it too. What’s challenging? Finding ways to improve and new ways to get better.”
Joshua believes he can stop Parker, saying: “I am prepared for a 12-round fight. But if I’ve got £20 in my pocket, I believe Anthony Joshua knocks Joseph Parker out for sure.
“If everything goes to plan I think people fade between round eight and nine. Parker will fade around eight or nine. And do you know what’s interesting – for my last four fights, I’ve been exactly on, or a round out.”
Defeat to Parker would end Joshua’s hopes of fighting Deontay Wilder for all four world titles in what would be the most significant match-up in the sport, and he also explained it was that fear that led to his perceived snub of media from New Zealand and Samoa, which Parker called “disrespectful.”
“It keeps me going,” the 28-year-old said. “I don’t want to lose. It’s little things. People thought I walked out on the New
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Zealand press, but that wasn’t the case. It was because I was there from 10.30am until 5pm, and had to be back in the gym for 6.30pm to train, and had to eat.
“It wouldn’t have mattered if it was African press, the Chinese press, or the New Zealand press, I just told my team, ‘Can I make a move now because I have to be back in an hour and a half? Do they mind waiting?’
“But they didn’t want to wait, and with all due respect, I have to focus on my training. The fear of losing: unless I take care of my business, no one’s going to want to interview me anyway, so I have to make sure I stay focused on the job at hand.
“That’s the fear of losing: it keeps me motivated; I just know how quickly the tables can turn. One minute you’re the man, and the next you’re not.”
While Joshua has no room for error, Parker says he has no room for excuses after operations on both his elbows before Christmas. “If I win this fight I’m the best in the world, if I lose this fight then he is the best in the world,” said the unbeaten Kiwi. “There are no excuses on our side. We are 100 per cent ready for this fight. The speed is back, the power is back and it is just about executing it on fight night.
“I’m here to take those belts back. I’m here to be part of history. I haven’t decided how I want to beat him yet.
“I don’t know if it’s a knockout or points or a decision. I’ll see how I feel on fight night. Those belts are mine.”
SKY Sports Box Office will show the fight exclusively. Go to www.sky.com/orderboxoffice