Wladimir Klitschko has spoken of the "special relationship" he had with trainer Emanuel Steward, who died last month.
The Ukrainian - now being trained by Steward's understudy Johnathon Banks - is gearing up for tomorrow's bout with Mariusz Wach in Hamburg, where his four heavyweight titles will be on the line.
Just two weeks on, Klitschko admitted that he still has not come to terms with Steward's passing.
However, the 36-year-old believes that he can honour his former trainer by taking care of business inside the ring.
"It was very sad and it is still sad," said Klitschko. "The relationship between Emanuel and me was very special.
"Not just a regular relationship between a coach and a boxer, I assure you of that, because he respected my experience inside and out of the ring. I respected his experience outside of the ring as a coach.
"I can tell you that the real spirit of Emanuel Steward is with us. I am very happy there is a fight so we can stay focused and continue to do what he was excited about."
Klitschko has not lost since a shock defeat to Lamont Brewster in 2004.
Michael Penkman
