WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION Anthony Joshua says beating Ukrainian veteran Wladimir Klitschko in their showdown for the IBF and WBA crowns next April would entitle him to be called a legend.
The 27-year-old 2012 Olympic champion — who defended his IBF title successfully last Saturday against American journeyman Eric Molina — will face off against Klitschko on 29 April at Wembley Stadium and said the bout could be a life-changing experience for him.
“A knockout is the cherry on top but to win, whichever way, is very possible,” said Joshua at a press conference also attended by Klitschko at Wembley today.
“This is a fight that can change one from champion to legend overnight.
“It will draw masses of attention and they are the type of fights that can change the way people view you.”
Klitschko, who will be 41 by the time the bout takes place, said he has stayed in the sport since losing his WBA, IBF and WBO belts in a surprise defeat by troubled British pugilist Tyson Fury in November 2015 expressly to regain his titles.
I am obsessed with my goal to become the champion again,” said Klitschko, who has not fought since that defeat.
Johsua, who is 18-0 in his professional career and has never been taken the distance, conceded that while Klitschko might be on the elderly side for a boxer contesting a world title it did not make him any less dangerous.
“I know what they mean when the say the old lion still roars and I know what that obsession is like because I live with that same obsession, it’s just a clash of the titans,” said Joshua, who was a sparring partner for Klitschko early in his professional career.
“In life you have to prepare for the unpredictable so you just never know.
“This is the step up people want to see, what more can I ask for? I’m true to myself, true to my sport and that’s why I’m ready for any challenge.”
Their press conference was conducted in a dignified and respectful manner which would have delighted the promoters after two rowdy recent press conferences.
Former world heavyweight champion David Haye threw a punch at his next opponent Tony Bellew and Dereck Chisora — who lost to Klitschko in a title challenge — hurled a table.
“It’s amazing that two fighters aren’t throwing tables or punching each other or saying what they’re going to do to each other,” remarked Klitschko.
Klitschko said his respectful attitude would not change towards Joshua.
I was, I am and I will be very complimentary of him (Joshua),” said Klitschko.
“The first time I saw him perform in 2012 when he became Olympic champion here in London, I felt he was following in my footsteps.
“Whatever the outcome, I truly believe he is one of the best heavyweights right now. I think Anthony is an absolutely outstanding athlete. It’s great that eventually we meet.”
Klitschko admitted even to addressing Joshua as ‘little bro’ — although he added it didn’t mean he would go easy on him in the ring.
“We are friends in a certain way,” said Klitschko.
“I did call him little bro but even when I am in the ring with my bro, I am very competitive.”
*Standing Ovation*
That first pic is very Bill and Monica. Jus sayin…
Sharp
Fionnuala seems to have gas
Which one is Bill do you think
I read in one of the newspapers that she obtained two tickets from the Mayo Country board….I hope this isn’t true?
What would you expect Dave usual shenanigans in the gaa. She should have joined chairde maigh eo and attended as much as possible that would look good on a greasy lying crook sorry I mean look good on a local politicians cv wouldn’t it?
I couldn’t get a ticket either.. Guess the Gaa must be discriminating against me also !!
Thats a very tender looking photograph….. Wonder will be state sponsored phone calls to Kenya to explain that she and Enda are just ‘friends’?
“G’wan Michelle..have a rummage around my junk”…
That’s one dirty look from Yer wan on the left …..Enda’s missus by any chance ?
I think so
@ballbreaker: Yep, that is indeed IndaKinny’s long-suffering wifey.
So the politicians get in free while the ordinary fan has to pay????
Invite pat Spillane he can judge is it puke football or not
Jaysus . Don’t invite Joe Umbrella. The sarcasm if the shower of shites do arrive
Great move by shamrock rovers. She’ll be complaining about not getting international tickets next, if we look like Qualifing for the world cup. She’s a great sports fan of teams doing well.
Super initiative..
@Phil Quinlan: Bad scant to Rovers, they would not give even one free ticket to a former player for his 80th birthday a few/years ago, Bray Wanderers another team my father in law played for were delighted to mark the occasion for him as were his other old team in Holyhead but Rovers refused point blank to make any gesture, not even a card and now these parasites get freebies. I hope the karma is instant for them.
Well done Rovers, but don’t hold your breath . These people are out for their own publicity, not LOI
Ballina is traditionally Sligo Rovers so this will go down well on the east bound N59
Have to give it to Michael D he goes to some amount of games. Id say he would be a better pundit than most spoofers especially when games are played on Rte and any real fan just has to laugh.
She got tickets in the end.
She only goes to finals. In Rovers’ case she might have to wait a while.
Michelle Mulhern dumped out of the Dail by her own voters and returns to the seanad by appointment of the fuhrer. Big mouth and well disliked down her own country.
Absolutely fantastic idea rovers let us know how many turn up ok
INDEPENDENT TD Mick Wallace might apply if the Boys are not playing
O God she isnt going to kiss him, I feel sick….
Give them a water,i mean warm,welcome.
Rewarding the giant Ego of the West.
Ohhh Mrs Kenny is keeping her eye on her
Why don’t they let everyone in free? Again the ordinary Joe’s are pushed out!
I notice Kenny’s wife keeping an eye on things..
Clever publicity stunt by Rovers. As a paying season ticket holder I wouldn’t get too upset about the offer. Unlikely to see many TDs and Senators there anyway. At least Michael D will be there. Like Mick W. he goes to the less glamorous games.
Fans who are real supporters can’t get tickets every year. Yet politicians seem to think they have a God given right to tickets. If ya have seen the amount of fans looking for tickets .to be quoted seven hundred .