Joshua v Molina: IBF champion says Wladimir Klitschko is welcome to title defence against Eric Molina

By Richard Damerell

Anthony Joshua is preparing to defend IBF title against Eric Molina

Anthony Joshua says Wladimir Klitschko is "more than welcome" to take a ringside seat for his IBF title defence against Eric Molina.

The IBF heavyweight champion will face Molina on December 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office, and Klitschko is expected to attend the fight at Manchester Arena to watch his planned opponent.

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Joshua vs Molina: Book the fight on Sky Sports Box Office now

A proposed fight between Joshua and Klitschko is due to take place next spring, with the WBA 'super' title also at stake, but the Londoner must firstly overcome Molina and he says the prospect of fighting in front of the Ukrainian does not add any extra pressure.

He's more than welcome. If I had the time, I would go to his fights as well, and that's just what we do.
Anthony Joshua

"No, no problem at all," Joshua told Sky Sports News HQ. "I'm not fighting Klitschko right now and if he wants to come down, have a little look, no problem.

"He's more than welcome. If I had the time, I would go to his fights as well, and that's just what we do.

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"The one thing I learned is that watching someone is completely different to being opposite them, throwing punches.

"Anyone who is sat watching, who is a potential opponent - it's a completely different ball game when you step into the ring. That's why I'm not really bothered who is watching, if I'm going to fight them. Face to face, it's a completely different story."  

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Joshua insists he does not need to send a message to Klitschko and pointed to his unbeaten 17-fight record as a reason why he should command respect.

"My career, my discipline, my consistency, that's all the message, the package we've been sending across to people," said Joshua. "I think that speaks louder than maybe a couple of rounds, or a 36-minute fight.

"Whatever message is sent, it is important, but what is most important is getting through the fight and making sure I go in there and do the job against Klitschko, if that fight happens."     

Eric Molina plans to pull off a stunning upset victory over Joshua

Molina insists he will supply the toughest fight of Joshua's career, but the 27-year-old intends to prove he is a class above his American challenger.

Joshua said: "No matter who it is, I can't go in there with that mentality, because I've got to go in there and make him look easy.

"It's all about having an easy night in the ring and that's what makes a special fighter."

Watch Anthony Joshua v Eric Molina, on December 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Book the event online here.

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