Wladimir Klitschko has insisted that entering a world title fight as a challenger for the first time in 16 years has restored his “adrenaline”.
The veteran Ukrainian won his maiden world title from Chris Byrd in 2000 but now, having spent time as unified heavyweight champion, is empty-handed ahead of facing IBF belt-holder Anthony Joshua at Wembley, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
"I have an adrenaline rush in the blood, and I love it," Klitschko said, speaking at the national stadium, when asked if he enjoyed his upcoming role as the challenger.
"I've been missing it. I was very comfortable where I was.
"I look at it philosophically, in a certain way. How fast life turns around, and how quickly it can happen.
"I never thought we were going to fight, but now we are, and I am definitely excited about it. It's an amazing promotion, it's an amazing arena, it's an amazing event. It's a perfect time and I'm glad it didn't happen on December 10 because the time was not enough.
"I'm glad we are not fighting just for one title, but we are waiting also for sanctioning from the WBA, so it's so perfect.
"I said it when we were in Manchester, sharing a ring. I said 'dude, I never thought we were going to end up fighting'. Seriously.
"Life is an interesting thing - I'm getting to the press conference, I'm waiting for the champ, and in a certain way, it's a déjà vu.
"I look at this IBF title and it's so familiar! I've been looking at you in this bag and in this suitcase for decades, so it's so familiar!"
Klitschko, 40, has not boxed since losing the IBF, WBO and WBA 'Super' titles to Tyson Fury in November 2015 but will become a three-time world champion if ends Joshua's unbeaten record on April 29.