By Tim Parsons-
Anthony Joshua says he feels the fire in his belly as he prepares to defend his world heavyweight title belts against Alexander Povetkin in Wembley.
Joshua has admitted at a press conference today that he feels ”loads of pressure” going into a fight he knows he must win, but the world heavyweight champion believes he has enough fire in his belly to produce another win and maintain his 21 fight unbeaten run. Today, two members of The of Eye Of media.Com are said to have spent a few hours in the day watching video footage of both Anthony Joshua and Deontey Wilder, in preparation for a bet on who will win in what round.
Joshua’s fan base in the Uk is big, and speculation about how would win between Joshua and Povetkin, just as has lso been for Joshua and Wilder and now Wilder and Fury, has been exciting in our circles. At least 3 members of The Eye Of Media.Com in the past few months been engaged in boxing debates, sometimes in social circles where where the agenda had been to discuss other things. Heavyweight boxing at this level can sometimes be more unpredictable than expected, as with when Tyson Fury out boxed Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, or when Tony Bellew stopped David Haye in May.
EXPECTATION
The fight is on paper expected to be another victorious win for Joshua who holds three of the heavyweight belts and is unbeaten in 21 fights, but Joshua knows Povetkin is coming for his belts, he doesn’t underestimate him,.However, he is confident he will be victorious in Wembley on Saturday. He knows he may have to dig deep because Povetkin could end up putting Joshua on his ass. It won’t rank as one of the biggest upsets in boxing history if that happens, but it will be an upset.
Joshua is expected to just go through the motions and put Povetkin away, but Povetkin is a tough competitor and could take Joshua up to 7 rounds to break down, if any of Joshua’s past fights against top opposition is anything to go by. Joshua is Britain’s golden boy, but world class heavyweights always gives him problems. The Londoner should have this win in the bag, but he would be very wrong to think because Povetkin is 39 years of age, he can take him out quickly. He knows it won’t be an easy fight, but is confident of victory.
” Even though we present ourselves as cool, calm and collected, underneath we both know what we are in for. Not only Saturday but every fight I have ever been in and you’ve just got to roll with the punches, he said at today’s press conference.
I joined the right team, right management and you’ve [Eddie Hearn] put me in the right fights, Joshua said, turning to his promoter, Eddie Hearns, whom he credits for his professional development. I’ve got a lot of fire in my belly, which is just as important as skill. Thousands of tickets sold, there’s going to be a lot of buys, I can’t wait”.
If he’s strong in the head, I’ll rip into the body. If he’s strong in the body I’ll rip into the head.
Skills apart, technique apart we both have a big heart and we can dig deep – we both showed that against Klitschko and we will do the same on Saturday night. This is Joshua expressing how he sees the fight going, but Povetkin who will be bout two stonnes lighter, will believe he can use his speed and aggression to produce a celebration for himself Russia”.
EXPLOSIVE
Povetkin who has lost just once can’t be overlooked. He has only lost one of his 35 fights, and that was in the hands of Wladimir Klitschko. Povetkin has explosive power, and a big heart, but also believes he is as strong as Anthony Joshua.
Povetkin said: “I’m just as strong as Anthony Joshua. When I fought Klitschko I was much weaker, and in much worse shape than I am now”.
Skills apart, technique apart we both have a big heart and we can dig deep – we both showed that against Klitschko and we will do the same on Saturday night. The toughest man will win.
“I really, really want to take these belts back home.”
Joshua’s trainer Rob McCracken said: “With respect to (Joseph) Parker and (Carlos) Takam, Povetkin comes from the top tier.”
This is a big fight for Joshua, who bids to be the first to stop Povetkin in 35 fights. It could go the distance, and Joshua does well if he stops Povetkin at all.
Photograph: Courtesy Of Sky Sports.Com