Boxing legend admits "challenger" status ahead of title fight feels strange

Former boxing world champion Wladimir Klitschko has admitted that entering a ring challenging for a title for the first time in over a decade is a strange experience for him.


Klitschko won his first world title in 2000 when he defeated the then WBO champion Chris Byrd on joint decision although he lost it in 2003 to Corrie Sanders.

However since regaining it in a rematch against Chris Byrd in 2006, he has successfully defended his titles against all comers to become the second longest reigning heavyweight champion of all time and and has the second most successful title defenses total of any heavyweight boxer with 23 (including his initial reign as WBO champion).

 

However, the 40 year old has not boxed since losing  the IBF, WBO and WBA 'Super' titles to Tyson Fury in November 2015 but could regain them all if he beats reigning world champion Anthony Joshua on April 29, 2017.

The Ukranian said ""I have an adrenaline rush in the blood, and I love it. I've been missing it. I was very comfortable where I was. I look at it philosophically, in a certain way. How fast life turns around, and how quickly it can happen. I never thought we were going to fight, but now we are, and I am definitely excited about it. It's an amazing promotion, it's an amazing arena, it's an amazing event"

Anthony Joshua when asked about the fight said "This is the step-up people have wanted, Klitschko wants his belts back and may the best man win"