Sports Briefs
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ANTHONY Joshua, Britain’s heavyweight world champion, has said that beating Wladimir Klitschko, Ukrainian veteran, in their mouth-watering showdown for the IBF and WBA crowns next April will entitle him to be called a legend. The 27-year-old 2012 Olympic champion, who defended his IBF title successfully on Saturday, December 10, against Eric Molina, American journeyman, will face Klitschko on April 29 at Wembley Stadium.
According to AFP, Joshua said at a press conference also attended by Klitschko at Wembley on Wednesday, December 14, said the bout could be a life-changing experience for him. “A knockout is the cherry on top but to win, whichever way, is very possible. This is a fight that can change one from champion to legend overnight. It will draw masses of attention and they are the type of fights that can change the way people view you.”
Johsua, who is 18-0 in his professional career and has never, been taken the distance, conceded that while Klitschko might be on the elderly side for a boxer contesting a world title it did not make him any less dangerous. “I know what they mean when the say the old lion still roars and I know what that obsession is like because I live with that same obsession, it’s just a clash of the titans,” said Joshua, who was a sparring partner for Klitschko early in his professional career.
“In life you have to prepare for the unpredictable so you just never know. This is the step up people want to see, what more can I ask for? I’m true to myself, true to my sport and that’s why I’m ready for any challenge.”
Klitschko, who will be 41 by the time the bout takes place, said he has stayed in the sport since losing his WBA, IBF and WBO belts in a surprise defeat by troubled British pugilist Tyson Fury in November 2015 expressly to regain his titles. “I am obsessed with my goal to become the champion again,” said Klitschko, who has not fought since that defeat.
— Dec 26, 2016 @ 01:00 GMT
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