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Anthony Joshua vs Alexander Povetkin: When and where is the fight, what TV channel is it on and what is our prediction?

Anthony Joshua (centre) is putting his belts on the line against Alexander Povetkin (right) - Getty Images North America
Anthony Joshua (centre) is putting his belts on the line against Alexander Povetkin (right) - Getty Images North America

What is it?

A world heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Alexander Povetkin. The Russian is the mandatory challenger to Joshua's WBA title and the Briton will defending his WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO belts when the two fighters meet.

When is it?

Saturday, September 22, 2018.

Where is it?

Wembley Stadium (London). Joshua last fought at Wembley when stopping Wladimir Klitschko in April 2017.

What TV channel will it be on?

The fight will be shown live on Sky Sports Box Office.

It will be also aired on the streaming platform DAZN as part of the US debut of the service. 

What time is the fight likely to start?

As always, this largely depends on how the fight night is progressing, but expect the ring walk to begin at around 10pm with the fight starting afterwards.

How can I get tickets?

These go on sale on July 23 and 24 and are expected to sell out quickly.

Who is Povetkin?

The 38-year-old Povetkin was the WBA champion from 2011 to 2013 and is now the WBA's mandatory challenger, meaning Joshua has to fight him or face being stripped of his title.

Povetkin knocked out David Price on the Joshua/Joseph Parker undercard in Cardiff and has suffered only one defeat since his professional debut in 2005, losing by unanimous decision to Wladimir Klitschko in Moscow in 2013.

Have they ever met before?

Yes. In fact, it will be a meeting of two former Olympic champions. Povetkin won super-heavyweight gold at the 2004 Athens Games and Joshua the same title at London 2012.

What about the Wilder fight?

Fighting Povetkin now means Joshua is likely to have greater freedom in selecting his next opponent - probably Deontay Wilder. 

As mentioned earlier, Joshua holds three of the four major world titles - the IBF, WBA and WBO - with Wilder's WBC belt the only thing between him being undisputed heavyweight champion. The most recent boxer to claim that honor was Lennox Lewis in 2000.

Joshua fights Povetkin as a mandatory bout but Wilder is the opponent he wants. However, if Povetkin defeats Joshua, the unification discussion might change. Only time will tell. Both parties say they want it to happen. It's just not happening this year.

What are they saying?

Anthony Joshua:

"I can't wait to get back in the ring - the end of March feels a long time ago now. 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.

"It's not the height of the man, it's the fight of the man. He's fought people like me all his life. He's used to tall guys. He knows how to slip and throw punches, so I've got to make sure I give him no gaps or openings. It's not the height that's the issue - it's how willing and determined he is."

Alexander Povetkin:

"The battle for the World title has always been my goal. I fought for the moment to face the strongest in the world and on September 22 I get my opportunity. Anthony Joshua has four belts and I want them all. I'm glad that our fight will finally take place, the meeting of two Olympic champions in the ring is destined to be a breath-taking event."

Promoter Eddie Hearn:

"I can't wait to return to Wembley for what I believe will be one of the biggest tests of AJ's career. Last time he was there he produced one of the most dramatic fights and endings in the history of the sport and I expect this fight to be full of energy and drama.

"Povetkin is a top-three heavyweight and extremely dangerous but in AJ I see the best heavyweight in the world today and I think we will see a major statement."

Deontay Wilder:

"Most definitely he (Joshua) could have gotten an exemption for this (Povetkin) fight. That was the least of the worries right there because everyone wants it. When everyone wants it, then there's nothing that could stand in the way of a fight of this magnitude. No possible way. 

"Even when he's announcing Povetkin, they're talking about me. Everywhere we go, they're talking about this fight.

"At the end of the day, me and Joshua don't need each other. Not to survive and live. We've been doing that before we even met each other, and we're going to do that after we've met each other. 

"But for this fight to happen - for fans to see one of the biggest fights in world history and to see one champion, one face, one name - we definitely need each other."

What is the latest news?

Joshua was involved in expletive-laden exchanges at one of the now customary press conference face-offs this week - but it didn't involve Povetkin.

Instead, Joshua had to square up to another boxer, Jarrell 'Big Baby' Miller, after the American invaded the stage in New York during the launch of DAZN.

Joshua, who has until now cultivated a clean-cut image rather than engage in the customary trash talk, shouted at Miller: "Who you f------ talking to, shut the f--- up and get off the stage, you little b----. I'll slap you. Have some respect."

Jarrell Miller punches Mariusz Wach - Credit: getty images
Jarrell Miller has called out Anthony Joshua Credit: getty images

Miller has wanted to face Joshua for a while now. He is ranked No 3 with the IBF and WBA and remains a viable opponent for Joshua.

"I walked up on him, and whispered behind him: 'you're a punk, let's make it happen'," Miller later told Sky Sports.

"I'm not Dominic Breazeale, man. I want it. I would whoop him at Wembley.

"Listen Britain - you've seen fake models. You'll see the real model, the people's champ, not the one-time English champ. The world champ - that's me."

What are the best odds?

  • Anthony Joshua win 1/8

  • Draw 40/1

  • Alexander Povetkin win 8/1

What is our prediction?

Joshua to win on points. Povetkin may be 38 and 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.