Alexander Povetkin is Anthony Joshua’s next challenger for his IBF, WBA and WBC world titles and the two are set to clash at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night, in what is sure to be a packed sell-out crowd. Joshua has fought at the home of English football twice before, the first time in his sixth fight where he beat Matt Legg in the first round by knockout, the second when he ended the career of the legendary Wladimir Klitschko in the 11th round in April 2017.
Povetkin though, will undoubtedly be one of AJ’s toughest challengers and the Russian has lost just once in his career, to Klitschko on points back in 2013. Povetkin announced himself to the British crowd on his most recent fight back in March on Joshua’s undercard against David Price, knocking out the British fighter with a big left hand in the fifth round. Povetkin isn’t a knockout specialist in the same way as Joshua is, but has notched up an impressive 24 wins by knockout in his 34 professional fights, more knockouts than Joshua has fights.
For Joshua, this fight is a huge obstacle in the way of what is likely to be a money-spinning fight stateside, against either The Bronze Bomber Deontay Wilder or Big Baby Jarrell Miller. The fight against Wilder has long been mooted, with promotor Eddie Hearn having publicly said that an agreement had been reached, prior to the fight against Povetkin being arranged. Add in the fact that Tyson Fury is back in the heavyweight mix and has targeted The Bronze Bomber, while Dillian Whyte has also gone unbeaten since losing to Joshua back in 2015.
Anthony Joshua vs. Alexander Povetkin Predictions
Joshua’s training camp has been far more intense than normal as a means of ensuring that there’s no complacency or distractions ahead of this fight. Povetkin is AJ’s toughest opponent since Klitschko, meaning that focus is more essential than ever before. Joshua was taken the distance for the only time in his career last time out against Joseph Parker, but Povetkin is likely to be more open than the Kiwi and it’s unlikely that this fight will continue for the full 12 rounds. However, a Joshua victory in rounds 7-9 is far more likely.
Anthony Joshua vs. Alexander Povetkin Betting Tips
- Joshua to NOT score a knockdown: 3/1
- Joshua to be knocked down and win: 7/1
- Povetkin to score a knockdown: 6/1
What’s on the undercard?
- Luke Campbell vs. Yvan Mendy – 12 rounds, lightweight
- Matt Askin vs. Lawrence Okolie – British Cruiserweight Title
- David Price vs. Sergey Kuzmin – 10 rounds, heavyweight
@dominictrant