Oleksandr Usyk has revealed how Wladimir Klitschko helped him prepare for heavyweight punches during his career.
The Ukrainian will take on Anthony Joshua in a huge challenge for his unified world titles tomorrow night in London.
And he will face his third professional fight at the top weight after defeating Derek Chisora and Chazz Witherspoon.
But Usyk has explained the importance of Klitschko during his career, who prepared him to "defend" from heavyweight punches.
"Of course. He was fighting for 11 years and there was a lot to learn from him," Usyk said. "I was in his camp too, so there was lots of things to learn.
All my life has been a fight. Talking about guys who are heavier weight or not, ok if he’s heavier but probably his punches will be stronger. By that just means I have to defend myself well.
The Briton himself defeated Klitschko in a historic clash back in April 2017, in front of a 90,000 capacity crowd at Wembley.
Joshua has come in at one of his lightest weights, as he is prepared for a chess match against the tricky and allusive challenger.
And the Ukrainian has a phenomenal pedigree, having reigned as undisputed cruiserweight champion defeating the likes of Mairis Briedis.
Now the 34-year-old is ready to secure the most historic victory of his career and fulfil his dream of making it once again at the top-level.
“My compatriots will be there but also many other people from other countries and I love that. No matter if they support me or Joshua, I love fighting with a big audience,” he said.
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“I believe it will be more difficult for him because he has three titles to defend and he’s fighting at home and defending at home. Then a baldish guy from Ukraine will come to his home country and will be looking for a big fight.
“In 2012, I was not thinking about fighting him because at that time I didn’t enter professional boxing yet but it was obvious he would become a superstar even back then because of the combination of factors; a guy from the UK, a heavyweight and many many other things. It was obvious that he would be a superstar.
“He says he does not remember me from back then... well, I believe he is joking. It doesn’t matter. I do remember him and have been watching his fights for quite a long time.”
The pair have been extremely respectful during the weigh-in, similar to Joshua's victory over Klitschko where the pair formed a bond after their war.
And the 31-year-old has revealed that Klitschko sent him a message in the build-up to the fight, promising to remain neutral in his support.
The unified world champion may have one eye on setting up an undisputed clash with Tyson Fury if he can dismantle Usyk.
And in any clash that takes place, the Watford-based heavyweight is keen to reiterate his status as 'A side' on the card.
