Povetkin is no stepping stone, says wary Joshua

Anthony Joshua is not looking past the threat of Alexander Povetkin and insists “one punch can change the course of history”.

Joshua will put his unbeaten record and WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles on the line on 22 September at Wembley Stadium against a mandatory challenger who has lost only once in 35 professional contests.

While the lure of potentially career-defining bouts against WBC titleist Deontay Wilder and compatriot Tyson Fury have grabbed his attention, Joshua admitted he would be unwise to take his next challenge lightly.

Povetkin, who, like his opponent, has won Olympicgold,willgiveawayfour inches in height and seven more in reach, which Joshua believes may pose problems. He said: “This isn’t a stepping stone. This is a proper fight. One punch can change the course of history. Povetkin knows what he’s doing. He’s a topfive heavyweight, I’d say. I’ve seen guys like Povetkin, they’re difficult, they’re strong fighters so I’ve got to be smart.

“He’s fought guys like me all his life, I’m not new and my size isn’t new to him. But I fight taller guys a lot of the time because the heavyweight division does breed a lot of big guys.

“I don’t really fight guys with his height that much, so I’m having to adapt my style, he’s not having to adapt his style.

“He’s been fighting guys my height for so many years, so it will be easier for him, harder for me.”

Joshua was paired with Povetkin after a unification fight with Wilder failed to materialise, with both camps blaming the other.

Wilder now looks likely to take on former world champion Fury later this year in a bout that would be welcomed by Joshua, who feels he has been flying the flag in the blue riband division for too long.

“Boxing needs these type of fights,” Joshua said. “I can’t be the one to do them all, I feel like I’m bearing that burden. It’s good that they’re finally stepping up and fighting each other.”