I’ll stick one on Joshua
says WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO
WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO yesterday produced a USB stick carrying the prediction for his mammoth heavyweight clash against Anthony Joshua.
But while he would not reveal what he says in the video, Klitschko is confident Joshua’s reign as the IBF heavyweight champion will come to an end tomorrow.
If he does upset the odds at Wembley and claim the vacant WBA title, then Klitschko 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 big night. But Klitschko isn’t worried as he believes the 90,000 fans will still appreciate him if he storms to victory.
“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 I was in a certain way booed at the start.
“I was cheered at the end when I finished my workout out. It is a deja-vu in a certain way. I saw it with my brother and Herbie Hide here years ago.
“I saw it with Vitali and Tomasz Adamek in Poland, I saw it in Germany when I fought Axel Schulz as I was booed terribly but I was cheered at the end.
“I understand fans being supportive of their countryman but I also understand sport having an international language and that is in terms of performance.
“People then accept you and then they cheer you.”
Klitschko’s tactics with the USB stick was a clear mind game in a bid to show Joshua how confident he is.
The 41-year-old will seal the stick in the robe he will wear to the ring and then auction it off for charity, 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 which was shaped in the video message which I 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 and then put it on social media, that is up to them.
“It is not about mind games, this is my game that I just wanted to bring.
“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 his man up, but Joshua feels it is an attempt to “bring him out fighting” that won’t work. Joshua added: “I’ve heard it before with Kevin Johnson when he said he had written a book telling the world how to beat me.
“I don’t think he will ever reveal who bid for it if his recording does exist.”
The pair faced off at Sky’s HQ and Klitschko exchanged some friendly words with the Watford-born fighter in a polite press conference yesterday.
“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 times. He’s a puncher. I’m a boxer that can punch.”
One last mental blow? Joshua doesn’t seem bothered. ¬ Sky Sports Box Office will show Joshua v Klitschko exclusively live. To order the fight go to www. skysports.com/joshua