One of the most eagerly anticipated boxing bouts of the year is set to take place this Saturday, April 29, 2017, as former world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko takes on IBF heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in London, England. Klitschko is coming off a loss to Tyson Fury in his last fight nearly two years ago. Can he make a triumphant comeback against the still-undefeated Brit? Read on for our complete preview below.
The last time Wladimir Klitschko stepped inside a boxing ring back in 2015, he was made to look like the 39-year-old that he was by the bigger and younger Tyson Fury. “Dr. Steelhammer” lost his first fight in over a decade via unanimous decision, and along with his win streak, he also lost the air of invincibility which he had carried throughout the heavyweight division for so long.
The question now is whether Klitschko can climb back up the heavyweight mountain at age 41, and against another young, up-and-coming fighter in Joshua.
Klitschko will obviously have the overwhelming experience advantage over Joshua, who will be on just his 19th professional fight, and hasn’t fought anyone close to the level of Klitschko in any of them.
Klitschko also shouldn’t have the same problem as he had in the Fury fight, where he was thrown off by the Brit’s tricky movement. There shouldn’t be any surprise to Joshua’s approach, which will be to come straight at the former champ.
That strategy is certainly not something Klitschko will be fazed by. The savvy vet has seen his share of aggressive fighters, and should be able to capitalize on the inexperienced Joshua’s mistakes. If he can remain careful and avoid too many big shots, it’s not out of the realm of possibility for Klitschko to string together a decision victory.
There’s a lot to like about Anthony Joshua. The fast-rising 27-year-old star is undefeated in 18 pro fights, and has won each and every one via knockout. And just like in 2012 when he won Olympic gold in London, he will also have a partisan crowd behind him with the fight against Klitschko to be held at Wembley Stadium.
With those factors going for him, it suddenly makes sense why Joshua has been priced as the favorite over the legendary Dr. Steelhammer in their big bout.
Yes, Joshua hasn’t faced anyone close to the caliber of Klitschko, but the Brit can more than make up for his experience disadvantage using the sheer physical tools. At 6-foot-6 with excellent athleticism, Joshua will definitely be a handful for the 41-year-old Klitschko, who finally started to show his age in his last fight against Fury.
Joshua’s decided edge in power could prove decisive. Klitschko’s only method of victory against Joshua will most likely be via decision, but can he survive Joshua’s power for the full 12 rounds without eating too many big shots and eventually slowing down? It’s possible, but unlikely.
Writer’s Prediction
Klitschko’s time has come and passed, and Joshua (-260) proves it by condemning the former champ to his second consecutive unanimous decision defeat.
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