---
title: "The Klitschko Effect: Anthony Joshua Reflects on Style Change"
canonical: "https://boxing-social.com/news/klitschko-effect-anthony-joshua-reflects-style-change/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Navi Singh"
section: "News"
published: "2018-09-21T08:33:05Z"
modified: "2018-09-21T08:33:05Z"
---

# The Klitschko Effect: Anthony Joshua Reflects on Style Change

Anthony Joshua has revealed that former opponent Wladimir Klitschko’s style very much remains a source of inspiration, ahead of the unified heavyweight world champion’s upcoming defence against Alexander Povetkin at London’s Wembley Stadium.

The former 1996 Olympic gold medallist was renowned for a steady left jab, assertive footwork, physical strength, and punching power; aspects of his game that enabled him to become one of the longest-reigning heavyweight champions in history, under the guidance of the late Emmanuel Steward.

![](https://media.boxing-social.com/app/uploads/2018/09/AJ-WLADS-300x169.jpg)

Joshua produced a performance that was described in some circles as “Klitschko-esque”, in his most recent unification fight with Joseph Parker, adding the New Zealander’s WBO title to his collection with a wide unanimous decision, after being extended the distance for the first time in his career following a previously uninterrupted 20-fight knockout streak.

*“It was kind of a replica of Klitschko,”* Joshua explained, reflecting on the fight with [*Boxing Social*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OErMD50_e8w&t=73s).

![](https://media.boxing-social.com/app/uploads/2018/09/AJ13-e1537518499748-300x168.jpg)

*“He (Klitschko) intended to make a lot of fights easy, and he dominated for so many years, so if I’m going to look up to someone who is relevant, it would be Klitschko. I kind of inherited his skills, and used them in my own fight against Parker.”*

The dominant and disciplined, if somewhat uneventful nature of Joshua’s win against a slippery Parker was marred throughout by overzealous referee Giuseppe Quartarone, who consistently opted to break the fighters up during any meaningful exchanges in the pocket.

![](https://media.boxing-social.com/app/uploads/2018/09/AJ-PARKER-300x178.jpg)

*“I’ve worked on different things this camp, which I’ll try to put into the fight. I’ve got the spite in me,”* Joshua adds. *“When I hit, I like to hurt. I’m still young, and I like to take risks. I’ll fight to the death.”*

Now, with a choice of referee hopefully more conducive to close-range action, Joshua fans are no doubt hoping that the champion can return to his classic destructive ways with a clinical stoppage.

However, Joshua is also keen to stress that he is still developing as a fighter and as a champion, and this is something that will be reflected in future performances, including this Saturday night; a case of ‘victory at all costs’.

![](https://media.boxing-social.com/app/uploads/2018/09/AJ-POV-300x200.jpg)

*“In the long term, they will respect you for your ability. This is about ability, discipline, and following a game plan. We’ll have a similar game plan against Povetkin, and that is ultimately to win. Whichever way there is, the game plan is to win.”*

*“I’m here now, still champion, and in the history books. Regardless of what people say, the record proves itself. What I set out to do, I accomplish. That’s what’s important, for sure.”*

*Article by: Navi Singh*

*Follow Navi on Twitter at: [@hombre\_\_obscuro](https://twitter.com/hombre__obscuro)*