By Igor Lazorin, tass
Russian veteran Alexander Povetkin views IBF, IBO, WBA, WBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua as a dangerous opponent with a good punch - but says the British superstar also has his flaws.
Recently, the World Boxing Association (WBA) issued an order, which directs Joshua to make a mandatory defense against Povetkin. They have thirty days to work out a deal or the contest will head over to a purse bid.
If Joshua refuses, and a step aside deal is not worked out, then he will be stripped of his title. Povetkin is also the mandatory challenger under the World Boxing Organization (WBO).
Povetkin and Joshua both saw action last month at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
In the co-feature, Povetkin pulled off a brutal fifth round knockout of Olympic bronze medal winner David Price.
And in the main event, Joshua went the distance for the first time in his career by defeating unbeaten Joseph Parker to unify the four heavyweight belts.
Povetkin is being targeted by other boxers, but makes it clear that Joshua is the main priority for him.
"Of course the fight with Joshua is more interesting to me than everyone else - it's a fight for the world title," said Povetkin.
"I did not watch his fight against Parker yet. Joshua is a strong opponent, with a good punch. And of course he has flaws and they will have to be dismantled."
Povetkin said that for him it does not matter where the fight will take place against Joshua, and he believes the UK atmosphere will make things even tougher for the home boxer.
"At home, they have a saying, that the walls will sometimes increase the pressure," Povetkin added.
At age 38, Povetkin has very little time to wait.
While Joshua is in talks for a potential fight with WBC world champion Deontay Wilder - he admits that Povetkin is a more likely next opponent.
Joshua has an undefeated record of 21 wins (20 by knockout), while Povetkin has a ledger of 34 wins (24 by knockout) and one defeat.
