Wladimir Klitschko has been warned that he risks being disqualified in his fight with Anthony Joshua at Wembley over his notorious 'jab and grab' tactics.
American David Fields has been appointed as referee for Sunday's heavyweight title bout, and several former officials who have overseen world championship fights have told The Daily Telegraph that he should warn Klitschko before the fight over his excessive use of holding. The tactic is illegal in boxing, but has become one of Klitschko's tactics for survival in the ring.
Former referee Joe Cortez, who officiated several of Klitschko's fights, said the referee has to take control in the dressing room ‑ and excessive holding could lead to the fighter being disqualified. Those are the rules. Klitschko has to be very careful.
Klitschko has developed a technique of throwing his jab or double jab, and then ‑ if he is unable to follow with his right hand ‑ slides into range and ties up his opponents, leaning on them up close, or pushing them down, tiring them with his size and weight and making it impossible for them to throw punches.
The Ukrainian will fight Joshua for his IBF title and the vacant WBA Super and IBO heavyweight belts.
Meanwhile 27 year old British boxer, Anthony Joshua has told his mother she is not allowed to attend Wembley Stadium this weekend when he fights Wladimir Klitschko.
He has also barred her from watching the fight on TV, and she will be informed of the outcome via a telephone call.
His father Robert will be among the 90,000 at the stadium but mum Yeta Odusanya will be at home in north London.
The fight program starts at 6am Sunday.
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