How much of a threat is Alexander Povetkin to Anthony Joshua?
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All the talk over the last few months is not a matter of if but when will Anthony Joshua take on Deontay Wilder.
Negotiations had been dragging on with the two camps unable to agree a destination.
But when the WBA forced Eddie Hearn into a corner he had no choice but to postpone the super-fight.
The Boxing officials have put Alexander Povetkin as the mandatory challenger for Joshua’s WBA title but what will he bring to the table? And how could he hurt the unified world champ?
The 38-year-old Russian fighter has already knocked-out Briton David Price this year.
The fight was on the undercard of the Joshua-Joseph Parker bout. But it looks like Joshua against Povetkin will be the main event at Wembley Stadium in September.
Povetkin signed the VADA testing papers to ensure it’s a level playing field and there’s no repeat of his failed drugs test in 2017.
Even so, he is one of the hardest hitters in the heavyweight division. His record of 34 wins in 35 fights is not one to be shirked at. His only loss was to Klitschko in 2013.
If Povetkin can get under Joshua’s skin and fight on the inside then he could nullify the Brit.
The Russian may be ageing but his combinations are still making an impact.
Price spoke about his recent opponent and said if you open up too much Povetkin could strike a lethal blow.
Wilder’s co-manager Jay Deas has said before that if Joshua isn’t fully-focused then Povetkin has a ‘fantastic left hook’ that could shake the champion.
However both Deas, Price and Tony Bellew have backed AJ to get the job done. But the man nicknamed the White Lion has shown he isn’t easily tamed.
All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication
