Anthony Joshua: Beating Wladimir Klitschko will upgrade me from a champion to a legend
Anthony Joshua believes he will evolve from a champion into a boxing legend if he beats Wladimir Klitschko in their heavyweight clash at Wembley.
Up to 90,000 people are expected to attend the blockbuster bout on April 29th and Joshua believes both the size of the event and legacy of his opponent will lend a victory extra weight.
The 2012 Olympic gold medallist has stormed to the top of the heavyweight division, winning all 18 fights of his three-year professional career to date through knock-out, but Klitschko will represent his first world class opponent.
“This is a fight that can change [me] from champion to legend overnight,” said the 27-year-old Brit.
“It’s a fight that will get the masses out, draw massive attention and they’re the type of fights that can change the way people view you in your industry.
“I’m IBF heavyweight champion of the world but now it’s about beating the right people to go down in history. It’s not about doing it once but over and over again and now is just the start of that legendary campaign.
“I’d be silly not jump at the opportunity to fight Klitschko because he’s a man that I need to defeat to start building my reputation and respect in the division.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn believes the showdown will be the biggest fight in British boxing history and can open the door to iconic status for Joshua.
“We always talk about the phases of his career and we’re going into the legacy phase now”, said Hearn.
“This is the phase where you will be remembered for being a true champion. Performing at the national stadium in front of 90,000 people against legends of the divisions like Wladimir Klitschko.”