Joshua vs Klitschko: Shane Warne's memories of Wembley
Monday 24 April 2017 17:38, UK
Shane Warne is eagerly awaiting Anthony Joshua's world title fight with Wladimir Klitschko and gives his verdict on the massive event at Wembley Stadium.
IBF champion Joshua faces Klitschko in front of 90,000 fans this Saturday night, live on Sky Sports Box Office, and Australia's former cricket star knows about the pressure of performing on a big stage.
Favourite Wembley moment?
I've been to Wembley a few times - a Coldplay concert last summer was pretty amazing.
What do you remember about the whole experience?
It's a pretty amazing place. Watching any sort of spectacle, whether it's a concert or sport, it's a sensational stadium. There's a great atmosphere inside as well. All the things I've been to Wembley for have been great fun.
Weird and wonderful memories from Wembley?
Getting out is always a bit of fun - everyone bottle-necks into one little spot. Nothing too weird.
What was it like for you to play in front of 90,000 at the MCG?
The first time I walked out there [the MCG] to a packed crowd, it was 1992 against the West Indies.
It was just noise - there are a lot of other grounds where it's fun to play at, where it feels like the crowd are on top of you, but at the MCG it's the noise. You can hardly talk to the guy next to you sometimes, it's just really, really loud. It's a pretty special moment to walk out at the MCG, especially for a Boxing Day Test. It's a coliseum.
It would be the same at Wembley - It would be great if they played cricket there. They should have a drop-in pitch and play there. Imagine an Ashes match on a drop-in pitch there.
Joshua at Wembley - will it have any effect on him?
I think he'll love it. I think he will be driven by that. He's a machine, a specimen. He's super fit, quick and fast. He hasn't done too many big rounds.
It'll be an interesting one, because his opponent is more of a Test match player. He's about endurance.
It'll be an interesting one because his opponent is more of a Test match player. He's about endurance. But 90,000 people there to watch you? That should be pretty good fun.
Klitschko fighting away - what kind of welcome should he expect?
Knowing the English fans as I do, I'm sure they'll come up with some songs to start with, and they won't let it go! It's a bit like a drip on the forehead, and they'll sing for as long as the fight lasts. I think it will be a great atmosphere there - it should be a great fight. I'm a big fan of AJ and hope he gets it done.
How do you see the fight going?
I think it will be close. It will be one of AJ's harder fights so far, as he's in with an experienced campaigner. I think it will go a lot more rounds than people think. I reckon it could be one of the great fights of all time - but Joshua will get it done. He's just too good I reckon.
Fight prediction?
Eight rounds - Joshua.
Are you going to be there?
Unfortunately not. I'd love to be there, but I'm on a plane back to Australia, planning for my son's 18th, so I will miss the fight.
Watch Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium on April 29, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Book the event online here or via your Sky remote.
