Alexander Povetkin: I Want The Joshua Fight Immediately

By Alexey Sukachev

Alexander Povetkin (34-1, 24 KOs), a mandatory contender to WBA and WBO world titles in the heavyweight division, said that the next time he enters the ring he wants that return to be against Anthony Joshua, who holds WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO world titles.

The incoming offers from other boxers before the bout with Joshua do not interest him.

“I’m the mandatory challenger for Joshua. I look forward to the moment when I can compete against the best in the world. Anthony has four belts now. I want this fight and I'm not even thinking about fighting with someone else," commented Povetkin, who like Joshua had captured Olympic gold.

A few days ago, the WBA ordered Joshua and Povetkin to reach an agreement in 30 days - or a purse bid will be called.

Two weeks ago, Povetkin fought with British contender David Price in Cardiff (Wales) and won in the fifth round with a brutal knockout.

This bout was, according to many fans, the most spectacular and the best fight on the Cardiff card. The main fight of the evening was the unification fight between Joshua and WBO belt holder Joseph Parker.

As BoxingScene.com previously reported, Povetkin's trainer also sees no point in having his fighter face anyone other than Joshua.

“Alexander has faced a number of elite opponents but as soon as he wins again against another of this sort, talks are being started of him taking on another challenger. Carlos Takam and David Price – each one has been named as a final obstacle [for Povetkin] before an immediate title shot. He has already been a firm #1 contender before being forced to collide with quite a dangerous opponent in David Price. And Alexander agreed on this challenge, though many would have certainly withdrawn from such a fight, choosing not to risk anything," trainer Ivan Kirpa told Tass.

"Now, he wins over Price, and they keep saying he should fight Dillian Whyte instead of Joshua. I see no point in such a fight [between Povetkin and Whyte], although the final decision will surely be up to Alexander himself and his promoter”.