Boxing: Joshua about Povetkin: “Toughest opponent since Klitschko”

Anthony Joshua and Alexander Povetkin spoke live at the final press conference before their World Championship fight on Saturday (22.50 on DAZN). Both fighters showed great respect for their opponent.

The battle between world champion Joshua and challenger Povetkin will take place at London’s Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

Anthony Joshua about…

….. Povetkin as Klitschko’s toughest opponent in his career: “Definitely. When I fought Klitschko, the whole boxing world was the winner of the evening. We offered the audience an excellent show and a great fight. I expect the same from my fight against Alexander.”

….. Povetkin’s skills: “He is one of the lighter heavyweight boxers. That means he’s extremely fast. But I have prepared for this with sparring partners from the cruiser weight, I am also no slower than him. “It will be very difficult, but a good fighter always finds a way.”

….. the seriousness with which he approached the fight, especially against the background of the rumours about Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury: “There were many rumours in the run-up, especially in the heavyweight. But I realize that the fight against Powetkin will be one of my biggest challenges and that was also my focus in the months of preparation”.

… the return to Wembley: “I love to fight. My body was disassembled and reassembled in the Training Camp like I have never experienced before. I work on different things with my trainers, but you are always looking for yourself. Coming back here is a blessing. I feel relaxed, it’s no longer new to me, it’s my home.”

Alexander Povetkin about…

… his form: “I am in very good form. We had a very good camp, we focused on power and endurance. Anthony Joshua is one of the strongest opponents in our weight class, I am looking forward to the fight and believe that we will offer the fans a good show”.

… Joshua’s weaknesses: “The fight will show what we can do. Anthony’s very strong, but I’m just as strong and in good form.”

… As a tougher opponent for Joshua than Klitschko: “To be honest, I wasn’t thinking about Klitschko anymore. When I fought Klitschko, I was much weaker than today. “I’m in much better shape than I was then.”

… his goal on Saturday: “I really want to take the belts back to Russia. But I will not make a prognosis.”