Wladimir Klitschko claims doesn't want to be compared to 'great heavyweight' boxing icons

Hulking Ukranian professional boxer Wladimir Klitschko has claimed that he doesn't want to compare himself with any of the great heavyweights as they are still his icons.

Klitschko would match Joe Louis in boxing record books with his 27th heavyweight title fight on Saturday when he goes up against American Bryant Jennings at New York's Madison Square Garden. And Klitschko, who has dominated the heavyweight division for nearly a decade, is still not ready to slow down or retire anytime soon.

Klitschko, who has 17 successful defenses in a row winning the crown for the second time in 2006, said that as long as he has motivation and health, he would fight, adding that he doesn't feel old, or bad, or slow, Stuff.co.nz reported.

The Ukrainian stated that what could be cooler, or better, than to be the best man on the planet and beating up people for a living.

The 6-foot-6 Ukrainian boasts a 63-3-0 record heading into the bout against Jennings, who is 19-0 since taking up boxing six years ago.

Klitschko, who would also move within one of Larry Holmes's 19 consecutive title defenses with a win - second to the mark of 25 held by Joe Louis, also claimed that was allergic to comparisons with other greats.

The 1996 Olympic champion said that how long he has been champion, how many title defenses he has made, he doesn't want to compare himself with any of the great heavyweights, adding that he is still looking up to those guys and insisted that they are still icons to him.