And ‘Wlad the Impaler’ has been honing his sizeable frame in Austria as he bids to become the second-oldest fighter to ever win the world heavyweight championship.
Klitschko said: “There’s so many things, even at this stage of my career, that is being upgraded.
“So it’s getting better and better and more exciting.
“I am happy about it and I am very fortunate. I’ve been working for it for a long time and things happen for a reason.
Wladimir Klitschko of Ukraine during a sparring round at a training session at Hotel Stanglwirt on April 6, 2017 in Going, Austria. The Heavyweight title clash between Anthony Joshua of England and Wladimir Klitschko of Ukraine will be held on April 29Getty ImagesWladimir Klitschko hits a stationary punch bag during his training in AustriaGetty ImagesWladimir Klitschko gets a stretch on a Swiss ball during his training camp in AustriaGetty Images
“I am happy about having AJ as my opponent because AJ needs me and I need AJ to make this event happen.
“It’s simple as this, I just want to win my next fight and to show to myself that I can do it.
“The hardware of the body you need to prepare it, train it, but the software you need to programme it.
“I know that I can do it.
“I have been doing it for such a long, long time, so the end of the fight is going to be – and I am focused on this – positive for me where I am going to raise my hands and hold the titles.
“That’s my passion, that’s my obsession and I want to show to myself that I’ve still got it.”
Klitschko has been nothing but complimentary about his opponent Joshua, with the Londoner hoping to truly announce himself on the world stage with a huge win.
Joshua’s career has been on a steady upward trajectory and many are tipping him to become one of the heavyweight greats.
But overcoming wily, experienced opponents like Klitschko is part of the journey.
Wladimir Klitschko does some lower abdominal exercises during his training camp in AustriaGetty ImagesWladimir Klitschko has a stretch on the ropes during his training session in AustriaGetty ImagesWladimir Klitschko gets into training on a skipping rope in AustriaGetty ImagesPhysio Aldo Vetere and Wladimir Klitschko do some stretches ahead of the Ukrainian's fight with Anthony JoshuaGetty ImagesHead coach Johnathon Banks puts Wladimir Klitschko through his paces in AustriaGetty ImagesWladimir Klitschko takes a moment to think during his training session in AustriaGetty ImagesWladimir Klitschko bizarrely puts Sky Sports presenter Adam Smith through his paces in AustriaGetty Images
MOST READ IN SPORT
AN OFFER HE CAN'T REFUSE
Legendary WWE icon CM Punk offered staggering $1m to make a one-off return to the ring
AND HE'S WON IT
Ander Herrera bags player of the year award at Man United's lavish end of season bash hosted by Rachel Riley
'NOT A COACH'
Tony Adams: Arsene Wenger couldn't coach his way out of a paper bag... and Arsenal blocked me returning FOUR times
'I'LL DO IT RIGHT NOW'
WWE star Dean Ambrose wants cross-code fight in the UFC if he is paid $500,000
FAB DAY OUT
Amazing trio of Wags step out for launch of designer shoe shop... but who are their famous partners?
JUDGMENT DAY
Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke 'set to jet into London' to discuss Arsene Wenger's future
dive bar
Premier League divers will be BANNED by the FA from next season after chiefs vote in support of rule shake-up
Dier Straits
Tottenham shaken as Eric Dier wants to leave along with Kyle Walker and Danny Rose... as both Manchester clubs prepare to swoop for Spurs stars
power serg
Sergio Romero set to be Man Utd number one next season if David De Gea moves to Real Madrid
'i felt embarrassed for the club'
Arsenal legend Tony Adams on his shock at 'disrespectful' final contract offer
Two Games left lads!
Chelsea stars given midweek break by Antonio Conte after title heroics... but they've still got the FA Cup final to go
Marc-ed man
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte lines up £55m summer move for PSG midfield playmaker Marco Verratti
Blues in Aub-it
Chelsea want Borussia Dortmund's 37-goal hero Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to replace Diego Costa
Feeling Bleus
Didier Deschamps blasts Martial's confidence as he snubs winger for France's clash with England
'do something about your wife'
Sexy footie WAG in hot water after posing bizarre picture of herself on the LOO
JOURNEY SOUTH
Bournemouth ready to offer Jermain Defoe a staggering £18million to land him from Sunderland
UNITED FRONT
Fergie tapped me up twice but I turned Manchester United down because I was Arsenal through and through, says Tony Adams
SIX OF THE BEST
Leicester 1 Tottenham 6: Harry Kane hits four to become leading scorer in Premier League as Spurs rout Foxes at King Power Stadium
LONDON CALLING
Crystal Palace eye double raid for Man City's out-of contract full-backs Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy
wood is drifting
Leeds United striker Chris Wood is a £20m target for a pack of Premier League clubs in summer
Klitschko added: "AJ has a lot of energy, he's young, he wants to show it.
"He has these big muscles that give him confidence.
"He wants to demolish people, but did you hear about boxing? It's the sweet science. The ice is thin and the most vicious boxers get conquered.
"I have a lot of respect for Anthony - his commitment and physical ability. He can lift weights, he's strong.
Wladimir Klitschko towels himself down after a sparring session in AustriaGetty ImagesWladimir Klitschko gets some stretching and prehab ahead of his bout with Anthony JoshuaGetty ImagesWladimir Klitschko gets down on his knees during training for his fight against Anthony JoshuaGetty ImagesA portrait of Wladimir Klitschko and the Ukrainian flag hangs on the wall at the Stanglwirt Hotel in AustriaGetty Images
Finishing this week in shadow boxing with these guns. Have a great weekend guys! pic.twitter.com/4VskqARJsg
Leave a comment