Joshua vs Klitschko: A pick of the best quotes from Thursday's media conference at Sky Central
Thursday 27 April 2017 21:18, UK
Wednesday saw the boxing world focus on Sky Central - so what did the fighters set to appear at Wembley on Saturday night have to say?
Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko - who take centre stage at the national stadium at the weekend, live on Sky Sports Box Office - had the chance to size each other up ahead of their heavyweight blockbuster.
However, all those scheduled to appear on the bumper card were present in London to discuss their respective bouts. Here, we've picked out the best words from the participants during what was a busy day at Sky HQ!
Anthony Joshua
Even though it's an amazing event I try to strip everything back down. It's me and a man coming to blows - and the best man will win.
I'm preparing physically and mentally for any battle. That's why I enjoy the sport and take it seriously.
April 29th is just another stepping stone towards greatness.
Robert McCracken (Joshua's trainer)
It's a challenge. Anthony's in that phase of his career where he really enjoys boxing. The training sessions are really enjoyable.
Wladimir had been the dominant heavyweight, but AJ didn't turn pro to go through the motions. He didn't turn pro for fights he's 100 per cent certain to win.
He's a tremendous fighter for anyone to come up against.
Wladimir Klitschko
Boxing is a violent sport. We all can be friendly with each other - respect is never going to get lost - but once that bell rings one man needs to go down and the other needs to conquer.
When the last bells rings, we will shake hands again. In between, on the night, we will be enemies.
We will definitely show the world that despite the violence, we can handle each other respectfully before and after.
Johnathon Banks (Klitschko's trainer)
I can use a quote from the former referee, and fighter, Mills Lane - let's get it on!
Wladimir is ready and that's all that matters. You don't have to second guess anything - both guys bring everything to the ring. This is truly going to be a good fight
Fights often get hyped up and don't live up to it. I believe this fight, however, will live up to all the hype.
Eddie Hearn (Joshua's promoter)
We mustn't forget what the sport of boxing did for Anthony Joshua. He is the perfect example of how this great sport change lives. He is an honour to represent - but on Saturday night he has the ultimate test.
He wants to challenge himself. No one wants to know the answers before we sit down in that chair (to watch). On Saturday night, the answers will unfold in front of your eyes.
Scott Quigg (on moving to the Wild Card Gym)
I feel like I'm back at school. As a fighter you want to keep learning, and that's what makes me happy. Being in and around that environment makes me feel a different fighter.
It's the best place to be. You cannot get better preparation. You're making subtle changes and then put it into practice against world-class opposition (in sparring).
Freddie Roach (on working with Quigg)
He's the only guy I know who works harder than Manny Pacqiuao.
He's going to box beautifully, I've seen a lot of really good changes in the gym and you'll see that on the night.
Luke Campbell (who fights Darleys Perez)
Preparation has gone really well. Everyone always says that, but I've only been in the country for four weeks this year. I've made a lot of sacrifices.
I've had top-quality sparring and I'm ready for this fight. This is a big opportunity to me and I'm really excited by that.
I've never had it easy from boxing - who would have thought a guy who lost his first two amateur fights would be sat at this table? I've always had it tough, and I like it that way.
Joe Cordina (who opens the show against Sergej Vib)
It's a massive experience for me. When I first started boxing I would never have thought in my second fight, so early in my career, I would be fighting in Wembley Stadium.
I'm just trying to make everything perfect. As an amateur I was pretty elusive, but in the pros you cannot afford to get hit with certain shots.
Josh Kelly (who fights Faheem Khan)
Adam (Booth) is a great coach and I'm going from strength to strength under his guidance. He's perfect for me.
Skills do pay the bills, so hopefully, I can keep on learning and keep on improving.
Lawrence Okolie (who fights Russ Henshaw)
It doesn't really bother me. I could be boxing the same person in my third professional fight in a small hall somewhere. Now (at Wembley Stadium), it just means more people get to see what I'm working on.
But I think I perform better on big stages when there's more pressure on. As soon as it gets to fight time, when there's big crowds, that's when the best comes out of me.
I'm expecting an explosive performance on Saturday.
Katie Taylor (who fights Nina Meinke)
I'm learning in every fight. The training has gone so well over this last few months, so it's been a good transition for me into the pro game.
This is going to be my toughest test, but I feel like it's going to get the best out of me.
I always step into the ring with great confidence, and that comes from your preparation. I leave no stone unturned, and this fight is no different. I want to be involved in big, big fights.
