By Tim Parsons-
Anthony Joshua has hired Wladimir Klitschko into his camp, in his bid to conquer the world.
Anthony Joshua stopped Klitschko in the 11th round of their heavyweight title, and has now decided to benefit from Klitschko’s wealth of experience in the sport.
Joshua, who holds the WBO, WBA and IBF and IBO heavyweight titles, is aiming to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. He will need to beat WBC champion, Deontey Wilder, to achieve that, but Joshua is being advised to first raise his profile in America by fighting American Jaymill. The Londoner will need to strike a deal with WBA, Alexander Povetkin to step aside.
Attempts to secure an immediate fight with American Wilder have proved challenging, as the issue of a suitable deal appeared to be eluding both parties. Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearns, has advised Joshua to wait a year before facing Wilder, in order to capitalize on pay per view numbers. Joshua has always stated he is ready for any heavyweight in the world, and believes Klitschko is the best man to influence his training and boxing skills.
Speaking to Klitschko in a BBC documentary, Joshua, 28, said: “You experienced everything in your career.
“Your knowledge is like an encyclopedia and is very, very valuable to whoever you pass it on to — hopefully me.
“There’s no one better to get wisdom and knowledge from than yourself.
“Klitschko speaks 50 languages, he has a PhD in every category going at university and his mind is a level above a lot of people.”
As the fighters stood in the centre circle at Wembley, Joshua told his new-found mentor: “You’re hired, you’re hired — whatever you want, you’re hired!”
Klitschko, 42, bossed the division for more than a decade, winning 64 pro fights across 21 years.
And for the first time, he admits he is willing to put aside his ego and pass on his invaluable years of wisdom.
“I’ve already told Anthony he is something quite unique and if you look back at his fights, I was damn right,” said Klitschko.
“I do believe you have the capabilities to dominate the sport for a long, long time.
“But take care of your health. Maintain it. One thing you must know is to never underestimate your opponent.
“I will be super-duper happy if I can enable him to go on to bigger success.
The Klitschko fight proved the making of Joshua — he was knocked to the canvas for the first time in his pro career as the pair traded blows in front of a crowd of 90,000.
“This is the first time we’ve met since our fight and I have to say it’s an honour to be here a year on,” Joshua said.
“It takes two to tango and Wladimir was a great dancing partner that night, when I proved I have the heart and ability to compete at world level.
“It was the closest I’d ever come to losing. It was just a classic heavyweight fight.”
Klitschko, who has trained with both camps believes Joshua has an athletic edge over Deontey Wilder, despite Wilder’s own athleticism. Klitschko continued:
“They have both been in my training camp. We have spent plenty of rounds together.
“They are completely different fighters at calculating punches.
“But the strength, the core and the foundation of athleticism that Anthony has — plus being Olympic champion with a great amateur background — is something Wilder doesn’t have”.
Wilder’s team would disagree and say Joshua’s camp have not shown enough interest in making the fight. Joshua’s team believe it was Wilder’s camp not being reasonable with the terms of the contract, but now it appears they have decided to delay the Wilder fight and market their London star in America first to raise his appeal. Its not a bad business move which could transform Joshua into global super stardom, but it is not the news boxing fans really wanted.