sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

ODDSbible Boxing: Anthony Joshua v Wladimir Klitschko Betting Preview

ODDSbible Boxing: Anthony Joshua v Wladimir Klitschko Betting Preview

Can Joshua take down the King?

Kieran Spratt

Kieran Spratt

Following months of hype, the Anthony Joshua v Wladimir Klitschko saga will finally come to a close in front of 90,000 fight fans at Wembley Stadium.

Wladimir Klitschko, the most dominant heavyweight of a generation, represents, to put it lightly, a significant step-up in class for Watford's Anthony Joshua.

Most of the debate surrounding the outcome of this fight is whether former king Klitschko, now 41 and 17 months removed from his last fight, can overcome the younger, busier but still untested Joshua.

Joshua's meteoric rise through the professional ranks since claiming gold in London in 2012 has brought him wealth, fame and a legion of fans.

With 18 fights, 18 wins and 18 knockouts on his CV, it's not hard to see why so many Brits and fight fans are so enamoured with the affable giant.

Joshua has bombed his way through the paid ranks so far and while the majority of the names on his record will most likely be forgotten in a decade, AJ does deserve credit for dealing with tests such as former amateur rival Dillian Whyte and tough gatekeepers like Kevin Johnson, whom had never hit the canvas in his previous 36 bouts, so emphatically.

The blistering rate in which the 27 year-old captured the IBF title from 'Prince' Charles Martin a year ago and subsequently defended twice after does draw its fair share of criticism though.

BetVictor
BetVictor

Joshua is yet to go the distance as a pro and that inevitably leaves question marks about endurance hanging over his head, especially in the build-up to a fight with Klitschko who has fought a staggering 358 rounds compared to AJ's 44.

Tyson Fury developed a blueprint for beating the Ukrainian at the end of 2015, and although he and AJ are entirely different fighters, Joshua can take encouragement that Klitschko's time as a top-level fight could be on the decline.

While the 2/5 on Joshua to triumph is probably a little harsh on a great heavyweight like Klitschko, it's understandable given Joshua's obliteration of 18 previous opponents.

The Robert McCracken trained fighter has a sublime amateur background and has looked far more composed, taking steps back to adjust when he needs to in recent outings, something that will be absolutely vital against a man that is much harder to hit than previous opponents.

If you're backing Anthony Joshua this weekend, we like the look of him to wear the wily veteran down in the mid to latter rounds before finding a killer blow to end proceedings.

However, we don't see it going that way...

BetVictor
BetVictor

His style might not be to everyone's liking and you could make a strong argument that if the 41 year-old does prevail on Saturday it would be a backwards step for the heavyweight division but Klitschko is a bonafide expert at grinding out wins, so credit where credit's due.

Along with his brother Vitali, Wladimir has been undoubtedly the most dominant heavyweight since Lennox Lewis' retirement in 2003. A gold medallist for Ukraine all the way back in 1996, 16 years before Joshua's moment of Olympic glory, Dr Steelhammer has experience in abundance.

Despite an emphatic beating by Tyson Fury at the tail-end of 2015, Wlad maintains that his hunger and desire to carry on as a prizefighter is still there. The 2/1 underdog isn't there just to make up the numbers.

At 41 Klitschko's best days are certainly behind him, but while he was handily beaten by a skilled craftsman in Fury, Joshua is an all round different fighter to his compatriot.

Joshua's punch power is unmatched in the division but his biggest criticism is his movement, in particular his head. Joshua can certainly be hit and it is something Klitschko will look to expose, especially with his infamous jab.

BetVictor
BetVictor

Wlad has got one of the best jabs in the history of the heavyweight boxing, probably second only to the great Larry Holmes. Like a sledgehammer, it's terrifyingly accurate and extraordinarily powerful.

Throwing a jab depletes much less stamina, and with Wlad's jab, he can throw power shots all night long. A potential nightmare for AJ if his movement isn't improved upon.

Klitschko can also take solace from the fact that he hasn't been knocked out in over 13 years when he enters the ring this Saturday. It might be ugly to watch but Wladimir's awkward style of fighting makes him difficult to hit, something he learned from the late, great trainer Emanuel Steward.

In truth, he hasn't even looked like being knocked out since being stopped by Lamont Brewster all the way back in 2004.

We fancy the veteran to reclaim his crown, with a hard-fought points victory. Take the 13/2 on Wladimir Klitschko to win by Decision or Technical Decision.

Featured Image Credit: