Monday 12 December 2016 12:29, UK
Wladmir Klitschko insists his age and lengthy absence from the ring will not be an issue when he clashes with Anthony Joshua next spring.
After Joshua defeated Eric Molina in Manchester, it was announced the Ukrainian former WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight champion will take on Joshua at Wembley on April 29, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Klitschko has not fought since he was beaten by Tyson Fury in November 2015 and will be 41 when he steps in with the 27-year-old powerhouse Joshua, who extended his perfect record to 19 knockouts on Saturday.
"Age is just a number. That's the way I feel right now," Klitschko told Sky Sports News HQ. "Yeah, it's about how I will stand in the ring. I will be 41. Is that an issue? These question marks are actually really great for a lot of people who have doubts.
"The more questions we have before a sporting event - who, where, when and how they are going to win - the better. But age is just a number and I feel great.
"I hadn't had such a long break as over a year in my 26-year career. So I've had time to recoup, time to cut my guns, and now I just want to shoot and let them go.
"Health is number one but motivation is very important. I'm highly motivated. There is nothing else. I just want to get back and get these titles. I just want to let go the frustration that I've collected being inactive."
Klitschko has watched Joshua rise from Olympic gold medallist at London 2012 to IBF heavyweight champion and the pair are known to have a good relationship outside the ring.
"I've always been supportive of Anthony and I've said it publicly many times, that I am really a fan of his talents," Klitschko added. "This little kid has grown up and he's getting bigger and stronger.
"His record speaks for itself and he's world champion. He's achieved a lot in his 27 years. I like to be challenged and he is a challenge. But it's nothing personal. It's business."
