Anthony Joshua
Anthony Joshua

Joshua hits back at Klitschko after 'puncher' jibe


Anthony Joshua has denied being "one-dimensional" after Wladimir Klitschko dismissed him as a mere "puncher".

Joshua's streak of knockouts will receive a rigorous test this Saturday at Wembley, live on Sky Sports Box Office, but upcoming opponent Klitschko believes the young champion must rely upon the same trick that has accounted for 18 consecutive opponents so far.

"If I couldn't box, I wouldn't be here," Joshua said in response to Klitschko. "I may not be the best, but what I do good, I do brilliantly. That's got me here.

"The little things I do, work for me. When he claims to be the better boxer, so be it. But when I start punching you in your jaw you'd better stand up to my power.

"I don't have a one-dimensional style - the objective is to win. I've been taught to box off the line, set it up, come forward, defend, then come forward again. It's about what opportunities are there, rather than just being aggressive and missing shots because I'm looking for a knockout.

"I have to create opportunities and, when they come, I'll explode."

Klitschko had previously said: "He's a puncher. I'm a boxer that can punch."

 CLICK HERE FOR OUR BIG FIGHT GUIDE WHICH INCLUDES THE LATEST ODDS, FIGHTER RECORDS, UNDERCARD DETAILS AND OUR PREDICTION! 

Like what you've read?

MOST READ

Join for Free
Image of stables faded in a gold gradientGet exclusive Willie Mullins insight, plus access to premium articles, expert tips and Timeform data, plus more...
Log in
Discover Sporting Life Plus benefits

Next Off

Fixtures & Results

Fetching latest games....