Esther Lin/Showtime
On April 29, 2017, the two biggest Heavyweights in the world will meet at Wembley Stadium to unify the IBF, WBA, and IBO straps.
Wladimir “Dr. Steelhammer” Klitschko (64-4, 53 KOs) is over 14 years Anthony Joshua‘s (18-0, 18 KOs) elder, with over 314 rounds more experience than Joshua. This fight is seen by all as a true matchup of youth versus experience.
Unfortunately for Klitschko, experience can’t change your opponent’s power and, when your opponent is Anthony Joshua, that could cause serious problems.
Keep reading to find out how Wladimir Klitschko can avoid his opponent’s power and remain the top Heavyweight in the fight game.
1. Stay in the Middle of the Ring
Photo by Marilyn Paulino/RBRBoxing
Anthony Joshua is the definition of a “seek and destroy” fighter. He wastes no time boxing; he comes out of the gate putting together hard hitting combinations.
In addition to seeking out his opponents, Joshua is also proficient at cutting off the ring and bullying his opponent into a corner. Wladimir Klitschko cannot allow Joshua to do this.
If Dr. Steelhammer can stay off the ropes and keep Joshua at bay in the middle of the ring, he will have a far better chance at emerging the Heavyweight king once again.
2. Counter in Numbers
Photo by Marilyn Paulino/RBRBoxing
The biggest reason Anthony Joshua embarrassed Charles Martin and destroyed him in two rounds was because Martin had zero head movement. He kept a straight head at all times and he paid the price.
Klitschko must not only avoid Joshua’s power punches, but make him fear throwing them. Whenever Joshua throws a heavy shot, Dr. Steelhammer must counter with two-and-three-punch combinations at every chance he gets.
If this can happen, Anthony Joshua may lose his greatest asset and with it, the fight.
3. Keep it a Boxing Match
Photo by Marilyn Paulino/RBRBoxing
Anthony Joshua’s bread and butter is in the brawls. It was how he beat Dominic Breazeale like a bass drum, and it will be how he looks to take down Wladimir Klitschko.
In order to avoid this, Klitschko must remain the calm fighter he has been all his life and refrain from engaging in trade offs with Joshua.
Klitschko is undoubtedly a better boxer than Joshua and he could frustrate his opponent throughout the night.
