Anthony Joshua vs. Alexander Povetkin
- What: WBA, IBF, WBO & IBO heavyweight title fight
- Where: Wembley Stadium, London
- When: Saturday 22 September
- TV channel: live on Sky Sports Box Office
British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua defends his WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO belts against Russian Alexander Povetkin at Wembley on Saturday night.
Joshua has 21 wins from 21 fights and will put his unbeaten record and titles on the line against the WBA’s mandatory challenger.
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Like Joshua, Povetkin is an Olympic gold medal winner and the 39-year-old has lost only once in 35 professional fights, a unanimous decision to Wladimir Klitschko in 2013.
Speaking at the final pre-fight press conference Joshua admitted there’s “loads of pressure” on him to beat Povetkin but he will “find a way to win”.
He says on Sky Sports: “There’s loads of pressure, tons of pressure, it’s the reality. We both know what we are in for, it’s the same with every fight.
“Roll with the punches, what more can I do than give my best? I’ll go out there and find a way to win. I know I have a lot of fire in my belly, that’s just as important as skills.”
Povetkin said: “The fight will show everything. Anthony is a very strong fighter but I am just as strong. When I fought Klitschko, I was much weaker and in worse shape than I am now.
“I never try to say anything ahead of time, you’ll see everything on fight night.”
Joshua vs. Povetkin fight guide
Where and when is the fight?
The world heavyweight title fight takes place at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday 22 September.
What time does it start?
The Independent reports that the ring walks are expected to be around 10pm with the fight starting shortly afterwards.
Are tickets still available?
Tickets can still be bought via StubHub. Prices start from £40 for upper level seats to £2,000 for floor seats. For more options see the Matchroom Boxing website.
How to watch Joshua vs. Povetkin on TV
The fight is being broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office. It costs £19.95 and Sky’s coverage starts at 6pm.
Joshua vs. Povetkin: tale of the tape
Anthony Joshua factfile and fight record
- Age: 28
- Nationality: British
- Fights: 21
- Wins: 21
- Wins by KO: 20
- Lost: 0
- Drawn: 0
- Height: 6ft 6in
- Reach: 82in
Alexander Povetkin factfile and fight record
- Age: 39
- Nationality: Russian
- Fights: 35
- Wins: 34
- Wins by KO: 24
- Lost: 1 (against Wladimir Klitschko in 2013)
- Drawn: 0
- Height: 6ft 2in
- Reach: 75in
Predictions: who will win?
Anthony Joshua told ESPN his prediction: “Hopefully take him down in round eight.”
The Daily Telegraph: “Joshua to win on points. Povetkin may be in the autumn of his career, but he is still a hugely-fierce competitor and will be a major obstacle for the Briton. This fight will more than likely go the distance.”
Amir Khan, British boxer: “Povetkin is a good fighter. He’s an Olympic gold medallist. It’s a good fight, but I think Joshua has got his number. He’s got the height, the size and he’s at home, comfortable. I think he’s going to win that fight quite easy.”
Steve Bunce, Independent: “Joshua should win, should be too smart, big and careful for the Russian, who will be surrendering height and reach: Povetkin always surrenders the physical edges and so far only Wladimir Klitschko has beaten him in 35 fights and that went the full 12 rounds. Povetkin loves fights against the division’s big, strong and tall men. Joshua ticks a lot of the boxes of the men Povetkin has so far crushed, and the walkover I keep hearing about is very unlikely. Povetkin can beat Joshua, make no mistake, especially if Joshua neglects the careful approach and that happens when any boxer is hit and hurt.”
George Boulton, The Sun: “This is seen as the Russian’s last shot at a title as he looks to regain his WBA crown. But after Joshua saw off Joseph Parker on a points decision, we back the Brit to get back to his knockout form. The 28-year-old has knocked out all of his opponents apart from Parker and he won’t want to go the distance again with Povetkin. We’re backing AJ to win this one in rounds 5-8.”
Chris Carlson, Boxing247.com: “Beyond a few early rounds or hairy moments inside of a round, look for Joshua to time Povetkin as he loads up on heavy shots by the midpoint. A technical-stoppage is very possible whether just or not, but Povetkin has heart and is heavy-handed enough to see the final bell. My official prediction is Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision.”
Joshua vs. Povetkin betting odds
Latest best prices, according to Oddschecker (as of 21 September).
Who will win the fight?
- Joshua to win: 1/8
- Povetkin to win: 15/2
- Draw: 50/1
Method of victory
- Joshua by KO, TKO or disqualification: 4/11
- Joshua by decision or technical decision: 15/4
- Povetkin by KO, TKO or disqualification: 9/1
- Povetkin by decision or technical decision: 33/1
Round betting odds
- Joshua on points: 4/1
- Joshua to win in round seven: 11/1
- Joshua to win in round one: 23/1
- Joshua to win in round 12: 33/1
- Povetkin on points: 33/1
- Povetkin to win in round five: 80/1
- Povetkin to win in round one: 110/1
- Povetkin to win in round 12: 100/1
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