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WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO will hear the voice of his old friend and ally Emanuel Steward when he sits in the corner tonight.
In front of him will be Johnathon Banks giving the advice, but he will also be thinking of what tips Steward would have been offering.
If Klitschko can upset the odds and become a three-time heavyweight world champion by beating IBF title-holder Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium, then it will be in honour of his late trainer.
“If we talk about something spiritualistic, in a certain way he is watching and he is very proud of having this signature fight, as he would have called this,” said Klitschko.
Suffered
The bond between the pair was so strong that Klitschko wouldn’t allow anyone but Banks to train him following Steward’s death, because the American fighter was also touched by the great coach.
It was Steward, who trained 41 world champions from the famous Kronk Gym in Detroit, who revived the career of ‘Dr Steelhammer’ and made him an immovable object in the heavyweight division.
Before then Klitschko had suffered two upset defeats, to Ross Puritty and Corrie Sanders, while Steward arrived too late in camp to really have an impact before a loss to Lamon Brewster – his last defeat until Tyson Fury outpointed him in Dusseldorf 18 months ago.
During that time Steward had overseen 16 wins, a world title victory and 12 defences of the crown before he died in October 2012.
He was not just the man who sorted out Klitschko’s defence, he made him more aggressive. Most importantly, he became a solid advisor and a friend.
The West Virginia-born coach also helped Klitschko shake off the mental fragility and self-doubt that was holding him back. The ® man who had crafted the career of ring legend Thomas Hearns, and helped Lennox Lewis become a heavyweight legend, worked until close to his death.
Then Banks, who was a sparring partner for Klitschko, took over.
“In a certain way Emanuel is an icon, an inspiration from A to Z,” said Klitschko. “He made me love boxing, he made Johnathon Banks love boxing and being a coach.
“We were inspired by Emanuel and we are carrying the flag that he passed to us. I cannot fight in the style like I was with Emanuel Steward, and Johnathon Banks cannot be Emanuel Steward.
“I definitely have a different style, as Johnathon has a different style as a coach. But Emanuel gave us foundations and knowledge that we are using over and over again.”
Banks has refuted criticisms of him for Klitschko showing cracks in his defeat by Fury and points to the fact that nobody said anything when he continued his winning streak after Steward’s death.
But while Klitschko and Banks appear to be a partnership, the voice of the old boss will be heard tonight.
The ex-heavyweight champion believes he owed it to his former mentor to take on the challenge of facing the unbeaten star Joshua to become a three-time heavyweight champion.
“I know he is wishing me good luck and even between the rounds I know what he’s going to say,” said Klitschko.
“It’s kind of funny but I know exactly how he would be thinking and what he would say. So far he is very satisfied with my preparation.
“He is looking forward to this signature fight.”