
Pre-fight mind games can often look very, very silly when all is said and done.
Wladimir Klitschko has never been one to engage in psychological warfare prior to his contests but, having been out of the game for 18 months, perhaps he felt he needed an added edge in that department before his Wembley showdown with Anthony Joshua.
https://twitter.com/JOE_co_uk/status/857643003397255169
In case you hadn't already heard, Klitschko came out second best in one of the greatest heavyweight fights in decades on Saturday night as Anthony Joshua displayed some previously unseen heart to recover from a mid-bout knockdown and claim a thrilling late stoppage over 'Dr. Steelhammer'.
But two days before sharing the ring with 'AJ', Klitschko made a remarkable revelation about a USB key that he produced at a pre-fight press conference in London.
https://twitter.com/JOE_co_uk/status/858440130151014404
When asked to predict how his meeting with Joshua would play out, Klitschko announced that he had committed his prediction to a memory stick which - wait for it - would be stored in his fight robe and auctioned off after the bout.
A few things went through our minds once Joshua put Klitschko away in stunning fashion in the eleventh round.
One was feeling fortunate for having had the opportunity to watch a true classic live. Another was the sensation of being impressed with the heart and determination of the next big thing at heavyweight.
However the overriding sentiment was wondering if Klitschko really did have "I will lose by 11th round TKO!" stored on his USB stick.
And, wouldn't you know... we weren't the only ones thinking it.
https://twitter.com/Carra23/status/858447058822471684
https://twitter.com/SpecialKBrook/status/858433045585702916
https://twitter.com/YannickBolasie/status/858434599000657924
https://twitter.com/mikebrown_15/status/858442067600605184
https://twitter.com/KuganCassius/status/858437962530467840
https://twitter.com/juliansheldon/status/858454414209671171
https://twitter.com/Waitey1974/status/858453121307115520
https://twitter.com/pog_boom1993/status/858452904163893249
https://twitter.com/RioHoye/status/858452877756555264
https://twitter.com/alloDean/status/858452622361100289
https://twitter.com/jlocky90/status/858452264738062336
https://twitter.com/T_Bag25/status/858452007547535365
https://twitter.com/mrmarcogiannini/status/858451991470768128
https://twitter.com/Dami_configg/status/858451655163039745