Joshua vs Klitschko: Phil Thompson's memories of Wembley
Tuesday 25 April 2017 15:21, UK
Wembley Stadium will be the home of heavyweight boxing on Saturday but Sky Sports' Phil Thompson has picked up European and FA Cup medals there. We asked the former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit to reflect on experiences at Wembley...
What is your favourite Wembley moment?
I had quite a few which I'm very proud of. We had the European Cup final in 1978 against Bruges. People might be shocked after winning that, because it was special for me because I didn't play in 1977 - but my favourite one would have to be the FA Cup final from 1974 against Newcastle. I was 20 years of age... I still believe the FA Cup final is special now, but back in the day it was extra special. Playing there was truly, truly wonderful.
What was the atmosphere like when you walked out as a 20-year-old?
It was 100,000 in those days! The noise was absolutely incredible. You used to come out from the end and then walk right to the side to have the presentation. Just coming out of the tunnel, when you could hear the noise, as soon as it got louder and louder. Then you came out, and it was just so magical. The adrenaline was pumping. For me and my colleagues at that time, the more we were up for it the better we would play.
Do you think the atmosphere will have an impact on Joshua?
The wonderful thing about AJ, that we all love about him is yes, he's a superb boxer, but it's his calmness, his character. He's very laid back at times, but you need the adrenaline pumping - and there's no better place to get it going. He is still a very young man, but he will know all about Wembley. He will know about its history, about all the sporting occasions. There have been some momentous occasions, now he is one of them. I think he will be absolutely alive with anticipation about what is going to happen. I think that will help him.
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Klitschko is the visiting fighter - what sort of welcome should he expect?
I think he will get the same buzz. He will know what Wembley has meant over the years, all the footballers who've come and gone and said it is the greatest. He, as a foreigner, will be coming there, and I think it will give him a pick-up. I think it will be an absolutely, truly magnificent fight. The occasion, Wembley, is just going to help both fighters produce their best.
AJ is wonderful, he's ready. He's been through the mill relatively young and I just think he's ready for this.
What kind of fight are you expecting?
I think it will be quite technical. I don't think the two of them will go hell for leather. It will take a few rounds to get into it, a lot of sparring will go on. I don't think either of them will want this to be over quite quickly. I'm expecting it to go seven or eight rounds, easily.
Who will win?
I'm going for AJ to knock him out. I think this is a physical specimen. He's wonderful, he's ready. He's been through the mill relatively young and I just think he's ready for this.
