Klitschko dismisses suggestions of delaying tactics to upset Joshua

Wladimir Klitschko dismissed suggestions he deliberately delayed Anthony Joshua's public workout in an attempt to get under his opponent's skin.

The two heavyweights' latest attempts to promote Saturday's fight at Wembley took place in the shadow of the national stadium, at Wembley Arena.

They are expected to attract a crowd of 90,000, a post-war record for a fight in the UK, and on an evening which could define both fighters' careers Klitschko will provide Joshua with his biggest test.

The 41-year-old appears to have attempted to soften the edge Joshua possesses in the build-up to this fight by consistently being respectful of the IBF champion.

He represents a significant step up in class for Joshua, whose temperament could be tested if Klitschko leans on him throughout Saturday's fight and repeatedly ties him up in the same way he has so many others.

Klitschko's slow progress throughout his workout - in which he spent a significant amount of time getting his hands wrapped in the ring, which in theory could have been done privately - delayed Joshua's by 30 minutes.

However, asked if that had been deliberate, the Ukrainian responded: "No, that's not a mind game. I'm here, I'm ready to fight.

"You will see a Klitschko who's enjoying himself (on Saturday). I'm really enjoying myself right now, this event, and I can't wait for Saturday night.

"It's Klitschko territory from the beginning (of the fight, not just the second half)."

Asked how he wanted the appointed referee, David Fields of America, to oversee the fight - Klitschko has repeatedly benefited from lenient officials - he said: "I respect the referee's job, but he's not present for me in a certain way.

"He needs to keep up with the rules, but I'm just focused on my opponent and the fight."

Joshua again insisted the respect he has for Klitschko would not undermine him when the two finally enter the ring at Wembley, and said he had "victory written all over me".

"The respect will go out the window," said the 27-year-old, who also fights to win the WBA title last held by Tyson Fury. "It's a fight, right?

"Strip all that stuff away - age, experience, Wladimir's this, AJ's that - I'm not really interested in what he's got to offer. Victory's written all over me right now: I feel great, I feel focused.

"Of course (I've got to go for him from the first bell). I wouldn't train the way I train if I didn't have that mindset. That's what fighting's about."