Joshua vs Klitschko: Anthony Joshua has timed Wladimir Klitschko challenge to perfection
Tuesday 25 April 2017 20:02, UK
Lennox Lewis feels Anthony Joshua has picked the perfect time to take on Wladimir Klitschko ahead of Saturday's heavyweight date at Wembley.
Joshua defends his IBF belt against Klitschko, live on Sky Sports Box Office, and Lewis believes the 41-year-old, despite his experience, goes into the fight looking "beatable".
Lewis had three reigns as heavyweight champion, dating from 1992 to 2004 when he announced his retirement the best part of a year after beating Klitschko's brother Vitali to retain his WBC title.
And Lewis is unsure whether Klitschko can come back to trouble Joshua almost 18 months after his last fight, when he lost his WBA 'Super', IBF and WBO belts to Tyson Fury in Dusseldorf.
Lewis told Sky Sports News HQ: "Joshua is big, powerful and strong. Right now any time he steps into the ring he's knocking everybody out.
"All these heavyweights are sitting outside of the ropes, waiting to see if Wladimir is going to fall by the wayside. Anthony said no - while you guys are waiting I am going after him. I commend him for that and it's the right time to go after him.
"Obviously there is a little glitch in his armour - Tyson showed that. Wladimir is definitely beatable and you have to go in there positive. Joshua has got a lot in his head right now, lots of people will be there and there is a lot of pressure, but he's focused and he knows what he wants to do. I think it's going to be a great fight."
Lewis wonders, as legendary coach Freddie Roach had earlier on Tuesday, whether Klitschko has another big fight in him and feels, if he was in the same position, he would call it a day on the back of defeat against Joshua.
He added: "Wladimir has a lot of experience obviously. Anthony's maybe only had two championship fights so there is a bit of experience there.
"He's been in the game a long time and it's whether he can use that to beat Anthony or whether Joshua's experience is going to overdo his. Joshua is in great shape, he looks good, throws a fast jab and he's got youth. Wladimir is 41 and he doesn't have those great legs anymore.
"Some people can take a loss and it can destroy them, others a loss can build them up. He could say 'Yeah they think I am old, and don't have it anymore' and that can boost him up to show this young'un the experience and that I still have it. He may be saying 'I am going to surprise everybody'.
"If Wladimir loses he may call it a day - if I was in his position I would.
"Even if Joshua loses, he will be successful because sometimes you have to lose to win. He's going in wanting to win and with goals for himself. This is one of the goals - to beat Wladimir."
