Wladimir Klitschko is consulting Anthony Joshua on his diet and training regime ahead of the much-anticipated rematch between himself and Andy Ruiz Jr.
Wladimir Klitschko retired after Joshua clash
The Ukrainian boxer suffered defeat by Anthony Joshua in 2017 at Wembley. The British heavyweight won with a technical knockout and Klitschko eventually retired later that year, aged 41.
Still, the two have remained close after their fight and now Klitschko is to one to hand his advice.
“He said loads of stuff to me, Wlad was definitely ahead of the game. He’s more disciplined than me, he’s more diplomatic,” Joshua said.
“He was giving me dietary and training advice and that is maybe what people are talking about now when they see a difference in my body. Maybe that’s why – because I’ve adapted some of his teachings – my weight may fluctuate.”
Andy Ruiz produced one of the biggest upsets in modern boxing – he dethroned the then-undefeated world champion Joshua at New York’s Madison Square Garden in June. The second fight of the pair for the WBA, IBF and WBO title is dubbed the “Clash on the Dunes” since it will take place in Saudi Arabia.
Still, Joshua says it’s not about the titles, but rather proving things to himself.
“There’s nothing I’ve missed about being world champion,” Joshua said. “I’ve always said the belt should never define the man. I walked as a champion before I even had a belt.”
“This is fighting. One loss doesn’t take the spots off a cheetah. We don’t play games when it comes to boxing, we’re serious and after I took the loss I’ve had time to reflect. I now have things to prove to myself. I want to take it more seriously because I’m going to that next level.”
The boxing gala between Ruiz and Joshua will take place on Saturday, December 7.
