Klitschko: Joshua-Whyte Is Great For Boxing

By Terence Dooley

 

Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte’s December 12 showdown for the vacant British heavyweight title has attracted a lot of interest within the domestic trade as well as piquing the interest of the division’s Champion. They clash at London's O2 Arena as Joshua bids to avenge an amateur defeat to Whyte (16-0, 13KOs).

 

Wladimir Klitschko takes on Tyson Fury in Dusseldorf on October 27; he revealed to Sky Sports that he might travel to the U.K. later in the year to watch the two contenders vie for domestic supremacy.

 

“It is great for boxing and makes me feel happy,” he said when speaking about the match-up. “I know both the fighters through training camps. I didn’t know they had fought as amateurs, but there is a lot of energy between them in the build-up to this fight, which makes people want to watch it.

 

“I might make time to come over and watch this. It is going to be interesting and entertaining. It is a challenge for both fighters. I am a fan of Anthony Joshua—this guy has great qualities—and I know Dillian, who is also a great guy.”

 

Joshua (14,0 14 KOs) netted a Gold Medal at the 2012 Olympics. Klitschko also has a Gold Medal in his trophy cabinet; the 39-year-old believes the young fighter is developing with every fight as a pro.

 

“I saw Joshua win the gold, following my footsteps from 1996, and I really think he has got a bright future,” he said. “He is still raw, still has to learn a lot, but I see a lot of progress with each fight. He is a boy who is turning into a man. I am glad there are men like Dillian and Anthony in my division, I wish them both luck.”