ICE COLD ON ALEX
Joshua is forced to take on Russian but Wilder’s the one he really wants
PROMOTER Eddie Hearn has revealed Anthony Joshua’s next fight will be against Russian Alexander Povetkin.
Joshua was given a 24-hour deadline to sign to fight Povetkin yesterday morning or face being stripped of a portion of his world heavyweight title.
Hearn has been negotiating for a unification bout with WBC titlist Deontay Wilder but the WBA has lost patience and wants him to face its own mandatory challenger.
In a statement WBA president Gilberto Mendoza said: “Today the WBA requested an answer from Anthony Joshua’s team regarding his fight with the mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin.
“The WBA have allowed over a month extension to negotiations with Povetkin and also ongoing discussions with Deontay Wilder.”
The demand did not appear likely to cause Joshua’s team too many issues given negotiations with the Wilder camp appear to be deadlocked and former champion Povetkin represents the next-best bet.
Hearn had indicated he was close to
agreeing a deal with Wilder but the American’s team claim to be holding out for “clarifications”.
Hearn said: “We can’t do a lot more. Anthony’s frustrated because people feel he might not want the fight with Wilder. He wants that fight more than anything.
“We sent the contract nearly nine days ago. We’re not even necessarily expecting a signed contract back – we just want your comments.
“If I wanted a fight, my fighter wanted a fight and we received a contract, we would be back with the comments within 24 hours. Nothing makes sense here.
“Team Wilder emailed me on Sunday and said, ‘We will be back with our comments on Friday.’ Why do you need another five or six days?
“They know we’re under pressure from the WBA and it all feels like a big game.
“This Wilder fight is one that has to get done and signed.
“But we’re not going to give up a belt and we’re not going to lose a belt to the WBA for ordering the mandatory. If Povetkin’s ready to go then he’ll be next.”