Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko fight predictions: Who will win? Sportsmail experts pick their favourite

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The wait is nearly over as Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko prepare to do battle in a highly-anticipated bout at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night.

The IBF heavyweight champion is aiming for the biggest win of his career against the Ukrainian great, who is looking to avenge his defeat by Tyson Fury almost 18 months ago.

Here, luminaries of the boxing world from Lennox Lewis to Frank Bruno give their verdict ahead of this weekend's showdown... 

Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko pose for a picture after their press-conference

The two fighters face each other ahead of their Wembley showdown on Saturday night

Lennox Lewis - Three-time world heavyweight champion

AJ early or Wladimir late. But which one? I’ll be able to tell you after two rounds. 

VERDICT: Undecided

George Foreman - Two-time world heavyweight champion

Klitschko knows how to win. When you have a left jab like his, like I did, you don’t get too old. You can fight forever. It will be a very difficult fight but I just make Joshua a marginal favourite.

VERDICT: Joshua

Frank Bruno - Former WBC world heavyweight champion

Youth has its time and Anthony’s time has come.

VERDICT: Joshua

Former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis is undecided over who will win on Saturday

Former WBC world heavyweight champion Frank Bruno believes it is Joshua's time to win

Carl Froch - Three-time super middleweight champion

I think AJ can get it done early but if not it becomes complicated for him. I can see how Wladimir can win.

VERDICT: Joshua

Glenn McCrory - Former cruiserweight world champion

Wladimir may not be what he once was but, just this once, I can see him being what he was. Klitschko KO.

VERDICT: Klitschko

David Haye - Unified cruiserweight champion and world heavyweight champion

Wladimir being out of the ring for about 18 months is terrible preparation for fighting someone as young, fresh and strong as AJ. This is the perfect time and the perfect fight for Joshua. 

VERDICT: Joshua

Larry Holmes - 20 successful world heavyweight title defences

I was the sparring partner for Muhammad Ali and it can be difficult changing the mind-set. I managed to do it so maybe Joshua can too — as long as he shakes off the mentality of being the sparring partner. 

VERDICT: Joshua

Freddie Roach fears Joshua could be in trouble if he doesn't get Klitschko out early

Freddie Roach -Legendary trainer

I like both. I’m tipping AJ but it’s close and if he doesn’t get Wlad out early he could be in trouble. 

VERDICT: Joshua

Vitaly Klitschko - Three-time world heavyweight champion

If my brother is focussed Joshua doesn’t stand a chance. I expect Wladimir to win by KO. 

VERDICT: Klitschko

Deontay Wilder - Reigning WBC Heavyweight champion

I’m not just coming over to commentate on Sky but to scout the winner as my future opponent. My heart is with Joshua but my head is always with Klitschko. In my opinion, Joshua doesn’t have the experience to make such a big leap in class against a long-time champion. 

VERDICT: Klitschko

Deontay Wilder believes Joshua will struggle to make the step up in class this weekend

PS What do our cricket experts think…?

Bumble 

Anthony Joshua will be too quick for Wladimir Klitschko. Joshua is in great shape and, as they say in racing, he's been primed for this while the other fella is getting on a bit. AJ will knock him out in five.

VERDICT: Joshua 

Jonny Bairstow 

It's got to be Anthony Joshua for me because he is younger and faster than the vastly experienced Wladimir Klitschko. But it will be difficult because they used to be sparring partners and have so much respect for each other. Joshua has so much power I think he will win in the sixth round....

VERDICT: Joshua 

Nasser Hussain 

I am nought for two on our Premier League predictions and I know even less about boxing but what strikes me is the mutual respect between these two and none of the trash talk we've had recently. 

That's refreshing. It seems we have someone very much on the way up and a great champion a little past his best. It could be a classic but I'm going for youth to just about have its day. Joshua to win on points.

VERDICT: Joshua

TOTAL: Joshua 9-3 Klitschko