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Joshua vs Klitschko: Anthony Joshua responds to David Haye's 'perfect time' comment

Anthony Joshua in good spirits during the press conference at Wembley Stadium

Anthony Joshua has brushed aside David Haye's suggestion that he has picked the opportune time to take advantage of Wladimir Klitschko's age.

Haye, an interested spectator on Saturday night as Joshua defeated Eric Molina then confirmed a Sky Sports Box Office showdown against Klitschko, immediately predicted that "perfect timing" meant the younger champion would win.

"David Haye says a lot of things," laughed Joshua, speaking at Wembley Stadium.

If I fought Klitschko on December 10, it would have been the perfect time, now April 29 is the perfect time, and if it wouldn't have happened then, then later on will be the perfect time.
Anthony Joshua

"If I fought Klitschko on December 10, it would have been the perfect time, now April 29 is the perfect time, and if it wouldn't have happened then, then later on will be the perfect time.

"I understand where he's coming from, but it doesn't matter when I fight. It has to be the perfect time because I've taken the challenge."

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Carl Froch and David Haye provide analysis of Joshua vs Klitschko

Haye, who lost a world heavyweight title unifier against Klitschko five-and-a-half years ago, had expressed concern that the veteran Ukrainian's skills have diminished.

"By the time the fight happens, he will be 41 years of age, and he will have been pretty much 18 months out of the ring," Haye said last week.

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Joshua and Klitschko went head-to-head at Wednesday's press conference

"It's terrible preparation to fight someone so young and someone who has been fighting so regularly.

"You can only go by current form and in the last fight he had against Tyson Fury, he refused to let his hands go. He couldn't pull the trigger."

Before Joshua puts his IBF belt on the line against Klitschko on April 29 at Wembley, Haye will face Tony Bellew live on Sky Sports Box Office on March 4.

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