Joshua vs Klitschko: Johnny Nelson on the Gloves Are Off with Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko
Sunday 19 February 2017 16:12, UK
Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko went head to head in The Gloves Are Off out in Cologne, so who better to give an idea of what went on than Johnny Nelson...
These two might be nice and respectful but this was a really good The Gloves Are Off, believe me.
As the man in the middle sometimes you think you are going to need to fire them up a bit, but out in Cologne, neither Joshua or Klitschko needed that.
Joshua has been humble and polite and while he was never disrespectful, this was the first time he made it clear he more than knows what's in front of him
And, of course, we have had to calm a few down, but this was more of a chess game. But they both told each other exactly how it is.
If you want me to pick the winner, I would have to go with Joshua - but only just. This was no unanimous decision, this was split.
Joshua made it clear he wasn't there to play mind games. He wasn't. Like I said, he was up front and I have a feeling that baffled Wlad a bit, because he usually has the other guy shouting his mouth off, going mad.
In the build-up I'd always thought Klitschko was like he was talking to a student of his, who he will show him things he hasn't learnt yet, but that changed here.
Yes, Joshua has been humble and polite and while he was never disrespectful, this was the first time he made it clear he more than knows what's in front of him, what he's got to do.
Sitting between them, I learned something too - that Joshua is far more relaxed, happy and confident.
Watch it and you will also see that Wlad's obsession is not made up. He is hungry, he's going through a long, long camp and all the hullabaloo and ultimately is putting his reputation on the line.
I did think he might even baffle AJ with science and his experience on this show, but believe me there was little to choose between them and plenty to learn.
You can watch The Gloves Are Off featuring David Haye and Tony Bellew, at 7pm, Sunday, February 26, on Sky Sports 1.
