Advertisement
Povetkin puts David Price down back in March. PA Wire/PA Images
Mandatory challenger

Joshua will defend his titles against former WBA champion Povetkin

The world heavyweight champion is taking on a Russian opponent at Wembley Stadium in September.

BRITAIN’S WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT champion Anthony Joshua will put his titles on the line against Alexander Povetkin of Russia on 22 September.

Joshua added the World Boxing Organisation heavyweight belt to the World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation straps he already held when he beat New Zealand’s Joseph Parker in Cardiff in March.

Since then Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has been trying to set up a unification bout with World Boxing Association heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, but has not yet managed to do a deal with the American’s camp.

The WBA told Joshua he must fight former champion Povetkin, their mandatory challenger, and the bout will take place at Wembley Stadium.

Anthony Joshua File Photo Joshua. PA Wire / PA Images PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images

38-year-old Povetkin (34-1-0) demonstrated his considerable punching power with a fearsome knockout of Britain’s David Price on the undercard of Joshua’s win over Parker at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.

Joshua won his first world title in 2016 and has made five defences, taking his record to 21-0 with 20 knockouts.

Wilder, 32, improved to 40-0 with 39 knockouts when he knocked out previously unbeaten Cuban Luis Ortiz in the tenth round in Brooklyn, New York, on 3 March.

© – AFP, 2018

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

Your Voice
Readers Comments
7
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel