Wednesday 27 August 2014 14:58, UK
Anthony Joshua has stepped up his education in the professional ranks by sparring heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko.
The Olympic gold medallist made swift progress since leaving the amateur code last year, picking up seven stoppage wins to enhance his reputation as one of Britain’s hottest prospects.
But Joshua remains eager to sharpen his skills and agreed to attend Klitschko's training camp as he prepares to put his WBA super title, IBF and WBO belts on the line against Kubrat Pulev, on September 6.
The Ukrainian has dominated the division for over a decade with his brother Vitali, who retired last year, and promoter Eddie Hearn believes Joshua will return a "better fighter"' after sharing the ring with the 38-year-old.
"Well it's priceless isn't it," he told The Morning View on Sky Sports News HQ. "He's arguably one of the top heavyweights of all time, Wladimir Klitschko, certainly the top heavyweight in the world right now.
"They had their first spar yesterday and I haven't spoken to Anthony yet, but the experience is just wonderful.
"He is back out on our big Manchester show on September 13th and again in a big fight at London's O2 Arena on October 11th.
"To mix with the likes of those guys, not just in the ring, just to be around them, see how they conduct themselves in terms of their diet, their demeanour from the commercial and PR perspective as well.
"It's a fantastic opportunity for Anthony to go out and spar with Wladimir and you're talking about a top, top fighter in Anthony Joshua.
"He'll certainly find it tough, going in sparring with Wladimir - I'm sure there are not many that don't - but he'll come back a better fighter."
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