Recently, we ran an article whereby we mentioned how Anthony Joshua was enhancing his boxing education by sparring with one Wladimir Klitschko.
We hoped that the experience would show the young 2012 Olympic gold medalist what was needed to reach the top, after all could there possibly be a better tutor than somebody who currently holds the IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO title belts.
Klitschko had invited Joshua to his training camp for a reason though, to help him prepare for his forthcoming defence against the Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev.
Now back on English soil and looking forward to fighting on the big show in Manchester this weekend, Joshua has spoken about what it was like to be in the company of greatness and perhaps emulating the achievements of the champion, remarking to the media,
?Yes, I felt that way.?
?Time will tell. It is a tough old sport, especially at heavyweight. I did feel comfortable.?
?But I didn?t do too much. I only sparred five rounds. He stays in there for 15 rounds so that is what I have to build up to, staying switched on and concentrating for a good 12 rounds.?
?At the moment I am good for six to eight, so I am just at the building stage. In the near future I should be able to mix in that company.?
?I was out there for 10 days and it was a great experience.?
?I would love to do it again so if the offer came I would definitely shoot straight out there.?
?He?s a great champion, an unbelievable champion. It is not just in the ring, it is what he does outside the ring as well. He is a great role model.?
?Moving in that company was different to what I am used to. He is the main man out there.?
?He just knows boxing. He had the great trainer Emmanuel Steward working with him and now has got Johnathon Banks, who is a fighter and understands what the game is right now.?
?It is crazy to have someone who is competing and training you, but he has a good trainer and a good camp. It is very simple but very effective.?
In any sport it is good to be inspired, it promotes ambition and if the visit to the Klitschko camp has served it?s purpose then the road ahead for Joshua could be littered with gold, especially as Klitschko is approaching the twilight years as far as his career goes.
In the Court of the Champ!
