LISTEN: Anthony Joshua eager to continue boxing journey with triumph over Wladimir Klitschko
Anthony Joshua believes defeating Wladimir Klitschko would ‘stamp’ a moment in his career as he bids to overcome the former heavyweight world champion.
The duo clash at Wembley on April 29, where the WBA, IBO and IBF heavyweight titles will be on the line for the triumphant fighter.
Joshua, an undefeated IBF heavyweight world champion, is set to face the biggest test of his career to date when he takes on the 41-year-old Ukrainian.
But Joshua expects to continue his ascent in the world of boxing and further establish himself as one of the finest fighters in the world.
“It does stamp a moment in my career. And yeah, Tyson Fury has beaten him [Wladimir Klitschko] and it is great,” Joshua told Gareth A Davies on Kick Off’s Boxing Special.
“And sometimes, it’s not only what you do in the ring - it’s what you do outside of the ring as well.
“And I’ll be sure to capitalise on it, express what I’ve been through, express what I’ve been through to the public, and I hope I can inspire some people.
“It will be phenomenal and the great thing is, it’s only the beginning. We’re making marks and we’re making history. Imagine what’s to come in the next 10 years if we carry on this journey?
“It’s all positive. I’ve got great people around me and I exercise the discipline of boxing. And with the two combined - good people and a great work ethic - we’re headed in the right direction.”
Klitschko returns to the ring for the first time since losing to Tyson Fury in November 2015, ending an 11-year unbeaten streak.
And Joshua is confident he will be able to handle Klitschko’s preference of putting his opponent on the back foot in the early stages.
“So we come out - and he comes out fast - he likes to take the centre of the ring.
“He tries to faint, faint, faint and establish that jab early and try and bring that hook around the side to set up that right hand.
“But I think as I’ve learned about myself, I stay relaxed and I analyse everything he’s trying to do and I finally find myself in my rhythm.
“I’m not a fighter that just goes out there and throws shots. I really analyse my opponent and I look at him: ‘ok, his right hand is a bit low.’ And it could take me three or four rounds to figure it out.
“But when I do, I unleash hell. That’s what he’ll do - he’ll come out and establish himself early, but as the rounds go on, I’ll figure out how to win and that is always the objective - to win.”