It gets no bigger than this. Anthony Joshua (18-0, 18 KOs) defends his IBF World Heavyweight title and his against Wladimir Klitschko (64-4, 53 KOs) and his today at Wembley Stadium in Wembey, London.
Also at stake, the vacant IBO World Heavyweight title and the WBA Super World Heavyweight title. Here we go.
As always, scroll on down for the live blog. Keep reading for the press release from ShoBox.
ANTHONY JOSHUA
“Even though this is such a great event, I always try to strip it down to what it really is and just focus that it’s just me and this man coming to blows and the best man will win. I’m not only prepared physically but mentally as well for any battle.
“April 29 is just another stepping stone towards greatness.
“Any fight is the right fight. I’ve never shied away from any fight, any opponent. I started boxing in 2008; in 2009, ’10, ‘11 I was in the World Championships, and in 2012 I was representing Great Britain competing to be the best in the world in the Olympics. It doesn’t matter who I fight. I just enjoy what I do and I just embrace every opportunity.
“I don’t underestimate any opponent. Through my mistakes I have learned and made myself right.”
Prediction: “I win. It’s not complicated. Let’s not overthink it. This isn’t rocket science. This is just a fight. Let’s strip it right back to what it is – a young lion, ferocious, hungry, very determined. I left no stone unturned in training camp. We do talk about experience, but even when I was fighting guys with lesser experience I was preparing for this. I’ve prepared since day one for this.
“Carrying the belt hasn’t changed me as a person. I just want to represent myself the best way because I know behind me are a million people that walk the same path as me and come from the same background. I think I’m a representation of these people.
“This is another stop. You can’t sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor. As you sit down on your throne there is always someone knocking on your door to take you down. For me, it’s just another stepping stone.”
On potentially celebrating after a win: “You can’t deny it. This is epic. As much as I’m calm, when I look around and see how pumped people are for this fight it gives me energy, it gives me life. So it would be hard for me to hold myself together after such an amazing event.”
On this being a pivotal moment for the sport of boxing: “Absolutely, this is 110 percent a pivotal moment for boxing.”
WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO
“Can you imagine my next opponent is going to fight a guy whose age is exactly the number of how long he has been in boxing – 27 years? Can you imagine that? It’s a pretty amazing task. Is it a degradation that I’m actually a challenger and underdog in this fight after 27 years in the sport? I don’t think so. I think it’s great.
“I’m the challenger again. I feel young, hungry, humble and totally obsessed with my goal to raise my hands again.
The fight is on Showtime at 4:15 p.m. Watch it with me.
