By Gabriel Princewill-
World heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua must stamp out dangerous Alexander Povetkin early in order to avoid a damaging career that could derail his career when the pair lock horns this Saturday night. The fight is one of Joshua’s most challenging and testing of fights to date, but he can, and must prevail before a large crowd of 80,000 excited spectators.
Anthony Joshua weighed over a stone-and-a-half heavier than Alexander Povetkin as the pair weighed in for their world heavyweight title fight at Wembley.
Britain’s bright heavyweight star tipped the scales at 17st 8lbs 5oz, whilst Povetkin(35-1)34 coming in at 15st 12lbs, one stone and 10 pounds lighter for Saturday’s anticipated fight in Wembley Stadium, North West London.
In what is Joshua’s seventh defence of the three heavyweight belts that makes him proud to be Britain’s pride and joy, the Londoner is under pressure to deliver a scintillating win following his last tactical but uninspiring victory against previously unbeaten Australian heavyweight, Joseph Parker.Undefeated in 21 fights as a professional , with 20 knockouts in 21 fights, Joshua knows a routine win is imperative to keep his name and reputation on track. Povetkin is a tough cookie who will be intent on crashing Joshua’s party, and if he does, the reputation of Britain’s darling will be severely tarnished.
Joshua has already been on the receiving end of criticism over the aborted plan to meet WBC king, Deontey Wilder this year fell after two long months of negotiations, after what was billed to be a momentous occasion failed to materialise. Joshua’s team have rejected culpability for the domed talks, but they all know that if their decorated unbeaten star falters at this juncture, they will be mocked endlessly by Wilder, Fury, and both their teams.
QUICK
“He’s going to be quick, he’s going to be fast. That’s why I’ve got to put on my dancing shoes and be sharp with my feet,” said Joshua after the last face-to-face appearance between the two before they meet in the ring.
“I’m a physical, strong guy. I know how to box. So it will be a good competitive fight,” Joshua stated. His rival, Alexander Povetkin is a tough cookie who has twice been found to be a drug cheat. Unlike the WBC organization which adopts an zero tolerance policy t drugs, the WBA has allowed Povetkin back into the mix. Claims by experts that some growth hormones can disappear long before testing give disturbing paucity for thought, more so with the bad reputation Russian athletes have for being prone to cheating by using enhanced substances.
That aside, Joshua must pass his assignment with style to keep his triumphant boat of glory sailing on. The Russian, who is close to Russisan leader, Vladimir Putin, will give this his very best
All of Joshua’s world class opponents have extended him beyond six rounds, Dillian Whyte, 7 rounds, Carlos Takam, 10 rounds, Wladimir Klitschko, 11 rounds, and Joseph Parker, 12 rounds. If those fights are to comprise a benchmark for making projections for this fight, one would surmise a hard fought fight going into the later rounds or potentially even going the distance.
However, I expect the fight to liven up early, forcing Joshua to spark his tough opponent out around the 4th or latest 5th round. Dancing with Povetkin for much longer than that would be a very risky affair that could end in tears for Joshua, his team, and legions of fans.