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Joshua vs Klitschko: Wladimir Klitschko rules out any mind games after lengthy workout

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Wladimir Klitschko says he did not intend to extend his routine and delay Anthony Joshua's arrival to the open workout

Wladimir Klitschko warned Anthony Joshua he is "ready to rumble" after going through an intense media workout at Wembley Arena on Wednesday night.

Ukrainian Klitschko went through a lengthy session under the guidance of trainer Johnathon Banks ahead of Saturday's showdown with the reigning IBF heavyweight champion, which is live on Sky Sports Box Office.

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The 41-year-old looked in excellent shape as he worked up a serious sweat, although his extended stay in the ring delayed Joshua's appearance in front of a sizeable crowd at the venue.

However, a smiling 'Dr Steelhammer' insisted there was nothing sinister behind the move, as he prepares to fight in London for the first time since stopping Monte Barrett in Millwall 17 years ago.

He will show everyone on Saturday night the real Wladimir Klitschko.
Bernd Bonte

"It's great to be here. I haven't fought here for a very long time," the former world champion - who had his hands wrapped inside the ring before being put through his paces by Banks - told Sky Sports News HQ.

"It's going to be a great night on Saturday night. It will be an amazing fight, I'm all hyped and excited and AJ is as well, I'm sure.

"There's no mind games here. I'm here and I'm ready to rumble.

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Vitali Klitschko says he has never seen his brother so focused and if he concentrates on Saturday he will definitely beat Anthony Joshua

"I'm really enjoying myself right now, I love every second of this event. Thank you for being here, thank you for watching and I'm looking forward to Saturday night."

Klitschko has not fought since losing his world titles to Tyson Fury in November 2015. The lengthy absence - combined with his age - has led to suggestions he will struggle to cope against the younger Joshua.

Yet Bernd Boente, the challenger's manager, believes his fighter will roll back the years and prove the below-par performance against Fury was nothing more than a blip in an illustrious career.

"It was an off night [against Fury]. He literally threw, I don't know, 20 punches the whole night," Bonte told Sky Sports News HQ.

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Bernd Bonte says everyone should be prepared for a totally different Wladimir Klitschko

"He knows that. He wants to show everyone that it was just one off night, he wants to show the real Klitschko. I'm sure that will happen on Saturday night.

"He's in fantastic shape - he's always in fantastic shape. He's a guy who lives like an athlete, he lives a clean life. He will show everyone on Saturday night the real Wladimir Klitschko."

Tale of the Tape - Anthony Joshua v Wladimir Klitschko
Image: Tale of the Tape - Anthony Joshua v Wladimir Klitschko

Watch Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium on April 29, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Book the event online here or via your Sky remote.

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