Wembley ‘a blessing’ for Joshua
World heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has described a return to London’s Wembley Stadium for the latest defence of his title belts in front of a home crowd on Saturday as “a blessing”.
The 28-year-old Londoner will put his World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organisation titles on the line against Russia’s Alexander Povetkin, 39.
“Coming back is a blessing – it’s time to put on a performance,” Joshua said at a news conference on Thursday.
The fight promises to be Joshua’s toughest bout since his thrilling stoppage of former champion Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley in April 2017.
Joshua comes into Saturday’s contest having won all 21 of his professional bouts, though his last fight, against New Zealand’s Joseph Parker in Cardiff in March, saw him go the distance for the first time as a pro before he secured a unanimous points decision.
Povetkin served notice of his punching power on the undercard of that bout, knocking out Britain’s David Price.
Joshua said he also respects Povetkin’s heart and speed, with the only blemish on the Russian’s 35-fight record a 2013 points defeat by Klitschko.
“Skills and technique apart, we both have a big heart and can dig deep.
“The toughest one will come out victorious. He is one of the lightest heavyweights but that means he has speed.
“I spar [with] cruiserweights like Lawrence Okolie, who is fast and sharp.”
Povetkin, speaking through a translator, said: “I think I am in very good shape, I’ve had a good camp. AJ is one of the strongest in the division.
“I’m happy to have this opportunity and we will give the fans a good fight.”