Preview: Joshua v Klitschko
90,000 people will be in attendance at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 29th April 2017. If you are one of those people lucky enough to be in attendance, soak it in and enjoy the occasion for all that it is.
The biggest crowd to attend a boxing match on UK soil will bear witness to Anthony Joshua v Wladimir Klitschko in a unification bout in the heavyweight division.
The build up to this fight should’ve been centred on the occasion and the coming together of the supposed ‘future of the heavyweight division’ and a legend of the division, but instead there has been a lot of talk about the quality of the undercard and the lack of fireworks between the two headliners.
The recent airing of The Gloves Are Off on SkySports sparked a mini furore about the lack of ‘we can all have a bit of a push and pull’ or glass throwing and cuddles on the floor. But what was clear is that both competitors aren’t willing to stray from their usual approaches regardless of the size of the fight and occasion.
Klitschko, of course has been there done it and got several t-shirts along the way. He has shared the ring with some of the biggest names to ever grace the heavyweight scene and knows exactly how to approach a fight of this magnitude. Cool, calm and calculated as always Klitschko is master of assuming control of any encounters between him and his opponent and he believes that he has the beating of Anthony Joshua.
Joshua, on the other hand also likes to remain cool, calm and calculated in his approach. In interviews he becomes almost philosophical in his quest for heavyweight superstardom, an approach which mirrors that of the former champion from Ukraine.
Those from the media that have got close to Joshua during camp have remarked on how relaxed the Watford man has been, and this was evident even when responding to the potentially distracting tweets from former champion Tyson Fury.
As for what will happen in the ring, opinion is split. Is Joshua ready? Is he even good enough? How much is left in the Klitschko tank? Was the Fury fight a mere blip?
It is practically impossible to dissect such is the uncertainty surrounding so many potential factors. Even the supposed experts can’t make their minds up; Sky Sports Johnny Nelson has said that he sees Joshua winning inside 6, unless it goes further than that- decisive!
What will be interesting is how Joshua copes with a type of fighter that he has never faced before. Klitschko is good at what he does, he will try to bully Joshua and he will try to use his solid jab and experience to keep him at distance.
Joshua, who is used to being able to pick his punches against more open opponents and tee up before delivering the finishing blow, will have to remain patient and display a level of intelligence that many suspect he has but that just hasn’t needed to be displayed yet.
I honestly can’t call this one so I won’t try to make a prediction, but here is a snapshot of predictions from some fighters that we have spoken to recently.
Retired heavyweight and former Joshua opponent, Paul Butlin- 'I am a bit on the fence, but a stoppage either way.'
Louis ‘Razor’ Robinson, young heavyweight managed by Asif Vali - 'I’m going for Klitschko between 7 and 12.'
Former Heavyweight World Champion and mandatory to Wilder, Bermane Stiverne- 'Klitschko will win'
Former Finchley ABC team mate of Joshua, Ollie Pattison- 'I can only see a win for AJ'
