Joshua vs Klitschko: AJ unfazed by opponent's reputation and history
Thursday 20 April 2017 09:48, UK
Anthony Joshua insists he is not intimidated by Wladimir Klitschko ahead of their eagerly-anticipated heavyweight clash on April 29.
Wembley Stadium will be a 90,000 sell-out for the event - which you can watch live on Sky Sports Box Office - with Joshua defending his IBF crown against his opponent, with the vacant WBA 'super' title also on the line.
Klitschko - who Joshua sparred with ahead of the Ukrainian's bout with Kubrat Pulev in 2014 - will be keen to show he can still compete with the best after his defeat to Tyson Fury but Joshua is not concerned by his reputation.
"I always try to strip back the accomplishments and the name and just look at him as another human being and then I focus on beating him," Joshua said. "I don't care who it is.
"I am still learning. Three-and-a-half years, 18 fights, is a good place to be. I think I will gain so much from occasions like April 29.
It's fine trying to own the division but every fighter needs a dancing partner
"I remember when I first started boxing, everyone was flying out to America to go and watch [Floyd] Mayweather Jr., [Manny] Pacquiao, [Miguel] Cotto and now look at it.
"Everyone from America is coming to the UK, so we are on the map right now. It's good that everyone is feeding off it and I am just a part of it, I am excited for everyone.
"The right fights draw the right attention and that's why we want mega-fights.
"It's fine trying to own the division but every fighter needs a dancing partner. I am going to play my part and I just hope everyone else plays their part.
"Talk is cheap but you have to back it up. I feel I have left no stone unturned, I have matured in camp and I am looking forward to the challenge, I am not shying away from it."
