Joshua vs Klitschko: Wladimir Klitschko insists time isn't an issue as Scott Quigg looks to impress
Wednesday 26 April 2017 23:57, UK
Wednesday's media workout gave Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko a chance to flex their muscles - although the former was forced to wait for his opportunity at Wembley Arena.
Challenger Klitschko was the first of the heavyweights to step between the ropes at the venue, with the Ukrainian taking the microphone from Michael Buffer to address the audience before having his hands wrapped in the centre of the ring.
The 41-year-old looked in excellent shape as he worked up quite a sweat during the session, although his time-keeping could clearly still do with some work.
Joshua had to bide his time as his opponent's workout over-ran, although Klitschko insisted the delay wasn't an attempt to disturb the champion prior to Saturday night's fight, which is live on Sky Sports Box Office.
"There's no mind games here. I'm here and I'm ready to rumble," Klitschko told Sky Sports News HQ.
While the pair worked out at separate times on Wednesday, referee David Fields will be the man who has to keep the pair apart when the bell eventually sounds at the weekend.
Both fighters will hope they don't suffer a case of 'ref justice' in the main event, although Bernd Bonte - Klitschko's manager - admitted the team were happy with the appointment of the American official.
"In the heavyweight division it can always happen that the referee needs to do a job," he told Sky Sports News HQ.
"[Fields] is a tall guy. He's a strong guy, a former fighter. He has a very good reputation and excellent experience. We are happy with the three judges and the ref. We all agreed to those. Therefore, we don't see any problems."
Klitschko was in a relaxed mood when he landed on English soil earlier in the day, waving to the cameras as he touched down for a make-or-break fight that will see the winner walk away with the IBF and WBA titles.
The big question, though, is which Klitschko will show up on Saturday; the one who dismantled Kubrat Pulev in November 2014, or the fighter who barely threw a punch in losing to Tyson Fury a year later?
Sky Sports' Johnny Nelson believes Joshua's style may actually play into his opponent's hands.
"He's had more title defences than Joshua's had fights. He's had more knockouts than Joshua has boxed rounds. This guy has a wealth of experience," Nelson said.
"Look at how simply he dispatched Pulev. The more orthodox you are, the more comfortable he feels with that kind of fighter. An unorthodox fighter like Tyson Fury gives him hell."
However, it wasn't all about the big men at Wednesday's event.
For Scott Quigg, Saturday's eliminator for the IBF featherweight title against Viorel Simion will be the start of a new chapter.
The former WBA super-bantamweight world champion will fight for the first time under the guidance of Freddie Roach - but the legendary trainer has already been impressed with his new student's willingness to work.
"He's another Manny Pacquiao - a workaholic. I have to tell him when to go home," Roach revealed.
Bury may be vastly different to Hollywood, but the mild-mannered Quigg seems determined to prove his brave switch to the Wild Card Gym can sprinkle a little stardust over his career.
Watch Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium on April 29, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Book the event online here or via your Sky remote.
