Anthony Joshua reveals where Alexander Povetkin ranks in toughest opponents – press conference as it happened

Anthony Joshua faces a gruelling test against Alexander Povetkin, with the two Olympic champions going head to head at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night

Anthony Joshua speaks to the media ahead of the bout (Getty Images)

Before he can think about targeting Deontay Wilder’s WBC belt to complete his collection, Anthony Joshua must face a gruelling test against WBA mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin, with the two Olympic champions going head to head at Wembley Stadium.

Many had expected Joshua to take on Wilder after defeating Joseph Parker in March, but instead he will defend his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles against Russia’s Povetkin.

It will be a stern test. Povetkin has lost just one of his 35 fights, losing on points to the great Wladimir Klitschko in October 2013. Since then he has won eight consecutive fights, including a knockout victory over David Price on the Joshua-Parker undercard. Ominously, he has never been stopped.

Meanwhile Joshua will be looking to extend his flawless professional record to 22-0 in his third fight at Wembley Stadium. Follow the press conference below:

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[20 September 2018 12:40 · Adam Hamdani]

David Price and Sergey Kuzmin go head to head. Price is a big fan favourite and will have Wembley screaming his name. Whether he can produce the goods on Saturday night is to be seen.

David Price and Sergey Kuzmin pose for a photo 

[20 September 2018 12:52 · Adam Hamdani]

The unified heavyweight champion tweeted this earlier today, he's relaxed after what will have been a tough and long camp.

[20 September 2018 12:57 · Adam Hamdani]

The two fighters should be out inside the next 10 or so minutes. That's when things will start to get interesting.

Until then, you can have my prediction for the fight. After showcasing his boxing skills and what he can do with his jab, Joshua has hinted that he will revert to his usual brash, knockout style, so fans will be in for some big hitting action. Povetkin won't be able to handle that and it'll tell, it could be an early knockout.

The Russian will however keep his wit's about him and will probably keep away for a few rounds to try and work his way into the fight, the size difference won't let that happen of Joshua gets his way. I'm going for a Joshua knockout deep into the fight, around 8 or 9 rounds in. 

[20 September 2018 13:00 · Adam Hamdani]

The guys over at GentingBet have pulled together this lovely infographic, with some quotes, information about the professional records of the two fighters and a little bit more.

Lovely to whet your appetite.

GentingBet infographic 

[20 September 2018 13:10 · Adam Hamdani]

We should be getting underway any moment now, just waiting for the fighters to come out.

[20 September 2018 13:11 · Adam Hamdani]

Both men have arrived! A polite handshake to get things kicked off...

[20 September 2018 13:13 · Adam Hamdani]

Warren Buffer is currently doing his thing, getting people hyped about the world heavyweight title. 

"It is one of the most admired and revered titles in the world. Once a person has that title, they have it for life." 

[20 September 2018 13:15 · Adam Hamdani]

"It's an absolute honour to be back at Wembley Stadium. The national stadium. Four world championship belts on the line, 80,000 people."

Eddie Hearn doing his usual thing of hyping the fight up before handing over to Adam Smith, head of boxing at Sky Sports.

[20 September 2018 13:16 · Adam Hamdani]

Adam Smith poses the question of is Alexander Povetkin Joshua's second toughest opponent.

"Yeah, definitely. Klitschko was a good challenger. We performed. Boxing won that night, we put on a good show. I'm expecting the same type of fight - skills apart, technique apart, we both have big hearts. We both dug deep against Klitschko and whoever is toughest will come out on top.

"His strengths, I've worked against people have the same. A good fighter will always find his way."

[20 September 2018 13:18 · Adam Hamdani]

Anthony Joshua on Wembley Stadium

"I love to fight. I love fight week, I can get my strength back. My body has been broken down and built back up like never before. This isn't new to me anymore, this is home."