Joshua, Klitschko Talk Tough Ahead Saturday’s Heavyweight Showdown

Nigerian-born British heavyweight boxer Anthony Oluwafemi Joshua ahead of his Saturday night world title showdown against Wladimir Klitschko feels certain experience will count for nothing during the bout.

Joshua will face Klitschko at the Wembly Stadium in the third defence of his (Joshua’s) International Boxing Federation title.

During Thursday’s press conference, Joshua said “We talk about experience but when I I fought blokes with less experience I prepared as if it was a world championship fight. I’ve been preparing from the beginning on this. I have never underestimated an opponent. Through mistakes I have learned.

“April 29th is the next step on the road to greatness.”

Joshua has had only 18 professional fights – 50 fewer than his opponent on Saturday night – and has fought in just 44 professional rounds. Klitschko has surpassed that in his last five fights alone.

Aged just seven year-old at the time Klitschko made his professional debut, in November 1996, Joshua now has the opportunity to fight the veteran for the vacant WBA and IBO heavyweight titles.

Klitschko meanwhile revealed he has recorded a video on a memory stick and on it is the result of the fight.

It will be sewn into the robe he wears on Saturday and the only person who will see it is the individual who buys the robe, with money going to charity.

The Ukrainian fighter has spent 27 years in the sport, the amount of time Anthony Joshua has been alive.

Asked about a rumoured injury to his eye socket, Klitschko replied: “Fake news.”

“I’ve never seen AJ (Anthony Joshua) as big as he is now. I’m looking forward to his challenge.

“My world right now is very small. I am just visualising situations. I’m not Nostradamus. I’m extremely comfortable and confident. I’m focused and concentrated.”

On how he remains focused on the fight as the hype increases, Klitschko responded: “Fine polishing, relax a little bit, a little training. All the while my world is getting smaller and smaller, focused and concentrated.”

Klitschko, 41, is a veteran of the heavyweight boxing scene, with a storied professional record of 68 fights, 64 wins and just four losses.