No room for tears but Joshua camp still wary of Povetkin’s top-level pedigree
SO much is at stake – once again – for Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium tonight as the Briton defends three belts against the Russian Alexander Povetkin, with the 28-year-old champion admitting yesterday that he lived “with a fear of losing”.
That burden, insisted Joshua, has been the driving force behind a meticulous, reclusive camp as he protects the World Boxing Organisation, World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation heavyweight titles.
In Povetkin, the developing British fighter meets a fellow Olympic gold medallist, a man with state backing who has admitted this week that this could be his “last chance at heavyweight glory” at the age of 39, having been defeated just once – by Wladimir Klitschko – in a 13-year career of 35 fights.
Joshua eviscerated Klitschko in a dramatic 11th-round stoppage at Wembley 17 months ago when he displayed his world-class credentials.
“That fear of losing is always there,” admitted Joshua. “If Sugar Ray Robinson – the best fighter of all time – lost, what makes someone else think they are going to go through boxing undefeated.
“Sugar Ray Leonard. Marvin Hagler. Thomas Hearns. Roberto Duran. Muhammad Ali. Mike Tyson. Evander Holyfield. Riddick Bowe. They all lost. So, who am I to go undefeated?
“But I am content with it because I know those nights of negativity don’t define me. I have lost before as an amateur and that didn’t deter me from getting where I am today.
“One hundred per cent it would not be the end if I lose and I know that it could happen because I know how tough this sport is.
“There is only one winner. I go out there every time, give my best and be humble in defeat and victory. I’m good. It’s about the long-term.”
Wise words, yet Joshua believes he will be at his best against the shorter, powerful, tank-like build of the man known as ‘The White Lion’, who will attempt to get in close, on to Joshua’s chest, and explode with his dangerous arcing left hooks, and an overhand right which can put opponents to sleep.
Povetkin has knocked out 70pc of his rivals as a professional. I am the best in the division. There is no doubt about it,” said Joshua. “It’s been proven. There hasn’t been a time in boxing since I’ve been an amateur that I haven’t been on top.
“At whatever level I was at, I have always been able to get to the top. But one punch can change the course of a fight. I’m up against one of the best fighters in the world. We’re not talking about Great Britain, this is the world, so I have got to be on my ‘A’ game.”
That view is supported by Rob McCracken, Joshua’s astute trainer, who has finessed the fighter for 10 years.
“The casual boxing fan will probably overlook Povetkin, but we definitely haven’t in this camp,” the coach said.
“I think the boxing industry knows it’s a tough fight. Povetkin is a former world champion and Olympic champion. He’s at the top tier of boxing and one of the top three heavyweights out there. It doesn’t get any tougher than this.”
Povetkin was down on the canvas four times against Klitschko when they fought in Moscow five years ago, but kept coming, and it may be a template for Joshua’s strategy.
“Josh has youth, speed and reach on his side, and he’s very powerful,” said McCracken.
“If you sit and wait for Povetkin to come in, he’s going to slow you down and hit you round the side of your head and body. Josh has got to meet him first and make Povetkin move. It’s a fascinating fight.”
McCracken added: “Povetkin will try and win the fight. He’ll come and he’ll be dangerous.
“He’s well schooled as well. Anthony needs to break up his momentum and control him.”
There it is. Povetkin will be very dangerous in the first four to five rounds, will attack with defensive savvy, and Joshua must meet the advances with a ramrod jab and also tie up his aggressive, powerful foe and attempt to explode from the clinch with solid uppercuts and fast hooks.
Joshua admits he shed a tear the last time he lost – in 2011 – in the final of the world amateur championships in Baku, Azerbaijan. There is no room for tears tonight if the big Briton is to fulfil his global ambitions. (© Daily Telegraph, London) Joshua v Povetkin, Live, Sky Sports, from 6.0