ANT’S READY TO CRUMBLE
Klitschko in jibe at rival
WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO says champion Anthony Joshua could “crumble like a cookie” in Saturday’s mammoth world heavyweight title clash.
Joshua puts his IBF belt on the line, with the vacant WBA strap also up for grabs, in front of 90,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.
The pressure is on the unbeaten Brit in the biggest fight of his career so far and he has remained a picture of calm heading into fight week.
But Klitschko said: “Experience is something you cannot buy in a shop, you gain it over the years.
“In the fight, people could have had great preparation and be in great spirit – and I’ve seen that they crumble like a cookie right before the first bell.
Respect
“I’ve seen it happen, I’ve seen the buildup and the determination and just before the first bell they crumble like a cookie and totally lose the concept. It all depends on the person and characters.”
Although Klitschko has started the mind games, this week’s build-up is expected to be respectful between the two rivals.
And after the histrionics of David Haye and Tony Bellew before their clash last month, he believes this promotion will restore boxing’s image.
The former world champion said: “The attitude and the respect to each other is being passed down to all the other young men down there in the gyms.
“We live in a crazy world, so in such a violent sport as boxing, there has to be respect. Mutual respect. That is what we showed. And I’m proud of it.”
Meanwhile, Bellew said he has explored a potential clash with Tyson Fury.
But Fury remains a “million miles” away from a comeback, according to Bellew’s promoter Eddie Hearn. Bellew, 34, said: “We’ve had talks.” Sky Sports Box Office will show Joshua v Klitschko exclusively live. To order go to www.skysports.com/joshua