Russian fighter Alexander Povetkin is the latest challenger for Anthony Joshua and he will be looking to cause an upset when the pair enter the ring on September 22. Wembley Stadium plays host to a potentially explosive match-up as the WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight champion faces the Olympic Gold Medallist. Povetkin’s chances are already being written off by large swathes of the British media but he will be aiming to use that to his advantage.
Source: Sky Sports Boxing via Twitter
Povetkin arrived in London on September 18 in preparation for his much-anticipated clash with Anthony Joshua. The 39-year old has enjoyed his previous visits to the UK and was last seen knocking out David Price at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff earlier this year. Price has warned Anthony Joshua not to underestimate his opponent describing the Russian as an “an accurate puncher”, “clever” and a “good judge for distance”. He admitted that Joshua is far more experienced on the bigger stage and remains confident that his compatriot can avoid defeat against Povetkin.
He’s been priced up at 7/1 in the Joshua vs Povetkin boxing odds with his opponent currently available at 1/9. It could be closer than anticipated and William Hill are offering 11/4 for the fight to go the distance. Joshua will be roared on by a vociferous home crowd but Povetkin won’t be fazed by the partisan support for his opponent. He lost by a unanimous decision against Wladimir Klitschko but that remains his only professional defeat and he will be keen to avoid adding to that tally here. He is Russia’s highest paid fighter and earned over $23,000,000 alone for his meeting with the Ukrainian.
Source: Sky Sports Boxing via Twitter
Joshua has revealed that his tactics for the bout will be to “keep a tight guard and don’t give him any openings”. He is protecting a 21-fight unbeaten record but admittedthat he is burdened by the prospect of failure and that could potentially play into Povetkin’s hands. An expectant crowd of 90,000 will gather in West London to watch the fight unfold and Joshua admitted that he “can’t afford to lose”.
Big things are expected of Anthony Joshua and he will hope to win stylishly. The names of potential high-profile heavyweight opponents continue to be bandied about but he must concentrate on the bread-and-butter stuff first and avoid getting ahead of himself.
Povetkin, who turned 39 earlier this month, will be aware that this may one of his last chances to make a notable impression on the biggest stage. His opponent may be significantly younger but the Russian has nothing to lose and should give a good account of himself. His eight-win sequence has resulted in him getting another shot at heavyweight glory and he will be looking to seize the opportunity.