By Tim Parsons-
Anthony Joshua will face a real test on September 22, when he defends his WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles against former WBA heavyweight champ, Alexander Povetkin
Povetkin, a 2004 Olympic gold medallist has waited patiently for his chance whilst Joshua and Wilder were locked in a painful three month negotiation that eventually yielded nothing. Each side has blamed the other for the time loss, but ultimately, the WBA stepped in to get their mandatory challenger to face the stand out British heavyweight world champion.
“I can’t wait to get back in the ring, the end of March feels a long time ago now,” Joshuas said ahea dof the bout.
“Povetkin is a serious challenge that I will prepare meticulously for. He has serious pedigree and only a fool would underestimate what he brings to the table.
“Training hasn’t stopped for me, but the next 10 weeks ahead will be intense both mentally and physically. I will push myself to breaking point to make sure I am in peak condition for another huge night for British boxing at Wembley Stadium on September 22nd.” It will also be a big night for Povetkin, who has many Russian fans in Britain and in his home country. This will be Povetkin’s best chance of becoming a multi-
belt world champion, because although Joshua stopped Klitschko in Wembley when
they met, the Londoner does not have the experience Klitschko had even back in 2013. Joshua earned his belts by beating Klitschko, but he very nearly lost to the former world champion when he was dropped earlier in the fight.
Tough Russian : Alexander Povetkin
Povetkin will be a very dangerous opponent for Joshua, but Joshua will still be expected to pull of the victory to prevent his career ending in at least temporary ruins.
38-year-old Povetkin, who stopped David Price on the undercard of Joshua’s victory over Parker, said: “The battle for the world title has always been my goal.“I fought for the moment to face the strongest in the world and on September 22nd get my opportunity.”