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Wladimir Klitschko: I won’t quit boxing if I’m beaten by Anthony Joshua

Going nowhere | Wladimir Klitschko: Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images
Going nowhere | Wladimir Klitschko: Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images

Wladimir Klitschko insists he plans to fight on even if he is beaten by Anthony Joshua.

The former world heavyweight champion says the thought of Joshua trying to end his 21-year career is driving him on.

Klitschko is 41 and has not fought since his shock defeat by Tyson Fury in Germany in November 2015. The meeting with IBF belt holder Joshua will be his 69th professional contest.

He insisted: “I’ve never said this was going to be my last fight. Over the last decade, I have gone from fight to fight. Hopefully I have a couple of years left in me. But you have to prepare for your next fight like it is your last fight.

“Health and motivation are very important. If one of those things is missing then it doesn’t make sense to continue.”

Klitschko, who arrives in London today, added: “I’m not thinking, ‘I’m going to get knocked out and what will I do then?’ I have the will and desire to make this my fight and my night.”