Anthony Joshua details how Wladimir Klitschko taught him to take charge
Anthony Joshua has revealed how the experience of sharing the stage with Wladimir Klitschko taught him he needed to be the one in control.
Klitschko went toe-to-toe with Joshua last year and assumed the role of master, while AJ was left to play the awe-struck student.
Joshua realised quickly that position did not suit him and explains how it altered his perception for his showdown with Joseph Parker this weekend.
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And the 28-year-old detailed how Klitschkos attempts to control him affected how he approached his stare-down with Parker at Tuesdays final press conference.
Yeah, I went back to when I fought Klitschko, Joshua said.
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When I was facing off with him, he was saying: Okay, we have done this before and we turn to the front in five, four, three, two.. I thought, This motherf***** is experienced!
That was all about control, he was trying to out-man me a bit. I thought I could look at Parker for ten minutes, but I decided no.
When I was facing him off, it is about showing no fear but at the same time I thought, How long will I actually stand here for?
Joshua and Parker actually faced off twice at the press conference and on both occasions it was the home favourite who broke eye contact first.
Joshua, the IBF and WBA (Super) champion, is two wins away, assuming he faces WBC champion Deontay Wilder next, from making history in the heavyweight division.
No fighter has ever held all four major world titles since their creation, and Joshua explained after a slow start, boxing has become an addiction.
Its a fun addiction though, Joshua explained. Its a challenging addiction but its fun. I still enjoy it too.
Finding ways to improve and new ways to get better. I chat to Johnathon Banks [Klitschkos former trainer] a lot from back when I trained with Klitschko.
I use the conversations as a way to speak to Klitschko.
And what kind of things does the unbeaten Joshua ask his old mentor Klitschko?
I ask these questions, he said. He told me they worked a lot on his jab and his movement before the fight with me.
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Its humbling to know that he got beat a few times and managed to come back. But I just think there is no room for mistakes anymore in this day in age.
I want to be the best me. Even in these good times when Im winning were not satisfied.
Metro.co.uk is reporting in association with Betfair – for latest odds go here.
Joshua vs Parker Odds
JOSHUA
To Win – 8/1
By KO – 11/4
By UD – 11/2
DRAW – 40/1
PARKER
To Win – 13/2
By KO – 16/1
By UD – 33/1
*Odds courtesy of Betfair
More: Boxing
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