Bold prediction.
Anthony Joshua is a confident man. The British fighter takes on Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley on April 29, with the IBF, WBA and IBO heavyweight titles up for grabs.
Joshua and his Ukrainian opponent have been very respectful of each other in the build-up to the bout, but Joshua has predicted he will do something no man has done since 2004 and knock Klitschko out.
The 40-year-old was last stopped by Lamon Brewster almost 13 years ago, and has only lost four of his 68 bouts.
However, Joshua is confident of knocking him out in London in front of over 90,000 spectators.
“I think I will knock Klitschko out,” the 27-year-old told GQ magazine.
“I’m not superstitious about it, but I have a feeling that it will happen in a slightly unexpected way. It will be something like a counterpunch that will finish it.
“It won’t be quick. It will take time because he is so experienced and he isn’t easy to hit. But I will find my opportunity and I will take it.”
Joshua, who has won all of his 18 professional fights with knock-outs, also spoke about what it’s like to knock an opponent out.
It’s fair to say the 2012 Olympic champion enjoys it.
“Oh… It’s amazing. I just love it, man. And the thing with me is that there is no remorse. When I hurt someone it annoys me when they [the referees] don’t let me finish them. Honestly! Because that is my job.”
