Povetkin Confirmed

Elliot Worsell on the next opponents for Joshua and Fury, and Matchroom’s US signings

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WE knew Anthony Joshua’s next opponent would be Alexander Povetkin weeks ago. It could even be said we knew months ago, as far back as March, or February, when we first discovered the controversial Russian would be appearing on an Joshua undercard in a fight against David Price.

It was at that point we sensed Povetkin, 38, was in the running, and that if he impressed against Price in Cardiff – which, a couple of shaky moments aside, he did – there was every chance he’d be squeezed into the mix, as WBA mandatory challenger, and get the fight every heavyweight in the world wants.

Now, following confirmation on Monday, he’s got it. The date is September 22 and the venue will be Wembley Stadium.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring,” said Joshua, 21-0 (20), the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight champion. “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.”

Even when Deontay Wilder, the dangerous WBC champion, seemed a potential next fight for Joshua, the cynical among us will have known enough to know that wasn’t really the case. It was always Povetkin, rather than Wilder, who made the most sense, at least for Matchroom, for pro fight 22.