Anthony Joshua vs. Wladimir Klitschko: 5 keys to the fight

Seizing the early initiative

Fans should anticipate a cautious, cagey start to Joshua-Klitschko, which is completely understandable. With a record-breaking attendance of 90,000 expected at Wembley Stadium, multiple heavyweight belts at stake and two legacies set to be irreparably altered, the fight’s stakes — not to mention the stakes for the entire heavyweight landscape — are immense.

Joshua will likely be galvanized by rabid fan support, and as the quicker, younger fighter, he should try to seize the early initiative behind an active jab and some probing right hands. If Joshua boxes with confidence early, he ought to be able to bank rounds, which will hopefully only embolden him as the fight progresses. Klitschko may indeed be gun-shy (or simply unable to pull the trigger), and if this is indeed the case, Joshua must pounce.

For Klitschko, a purposeful jab will be essential, as he’s able to employ the punch with more variety and force than Joshua. Klitschko must be active with this punch early in order to create openings for his right cross, handcuff Joshua and manage distance. Even if Klitschko gives away a few early rounds, he must assert himself and at least plant some doubt in Joshua. Initiative doesn’t imply an uncharacteristic punch output for Klitschko; it simply means boxing with genuine confidence.

Joshua-Klitschko may appear dull for the first few rounds because of the real and omnipresent threat of one punch altering the fight. However, keep an eye on who spends more time on their front foot early and who is controlling the action with their jab. These subtleties will eventually make way for edge-of-your-seat action, even if it’s only fleeting or in spurts.