It’s the battle of two Olympic gold medallists with England’s unbeaten Anthony Joshua defending his heavyweight title belts against Russia’s Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium in London. Join The Roar for round-by-round updates and debate in our live blog from 7am (AEST).
Joshua won the super-heavyweight gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics before turning pro. Since then he’s had 20 KO victories in 21 fights, picking up the WBA, IBF and WBO world titles along the way.
He’s a devastating puncher, with his typical bouts lasting just over three rounds. The only time he went the distance was against New Zealand’s Joseph Parker in his last bout, with the three judges each giving him a comfortable points decision.
Povetkin won the super-heavyweight gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Since then he’s won 34 of his 35 fights, 24 by KO.
His only loss was against legendary Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko on points in 2013. Klitschko is the only man who has ever been able to knock the tough Russian down.
Joshua is the heavy favourite leading into this bout. He’s 11 years younger than his opponent and will have a significant height and reach advantage.
After having his 20-fight KO streak ended in his last bout, he’ll be keen to make a statement against Povetkin in front of his home fans.
A win in this bout could set him up for a mega payday next year against America’s WBC champion Deontay Wilder (40-0) or fellow countryman Tyson Fury (27-0) to unify the heavyweight division.
Wilder and Fury are expected to hold a press conference next week to announce a December bout, where Wilder’s WBC belt will be on the line.
Time: From 5:30am (AEST), Sunday 23 September
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
TV: Live, Main Event
Fight Records: Joshua 21-0, Povetkin 34-1
Betting: Joshua $1.08, Povetkin $6.50
John Coomer
Roar Guru
And he sure did!
Davico
Roar Pro
From what I have heard it won’t happen. Manny desperately wants it but FMJ was more than likely just trying to use GGG v Canelo fight as a way of getting a bit of attention. Having said that money talks! The first fight was 8 years too late! Will I watch it if it happens? Absolutely! Should it happen in terms of being good for the sport? Heck no!
PeterD
Guest
I get what your saying but let's be honest he's on a legendary list for heavyweight champions who've been knocked down. Ali, Frazier, Foreman, Holmes, Tyson, Holyfield, Lewis, Marciano, Joe Louis have all been knocked down and only Marciano was never stopped in his career. Don't forget this guy was a British, European, World (silver medallist which he won and was robbed) and Olympic Champion in less than 40 amateur fights. World Heavyweight Champion in around 20 fights. By any estimate that's unbelievable. He's still learning the game which is a scary thought for any future opponents!
John Coomer
Roar Guru
I don't think it should happen Brendan, but I think it will. Champions fighting when they are past their prime is never great to watch, especially guys who had their punching speed when they were at their best. It will be another payday for both fighters, though nowhere near as big as the first.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Thanks for joining me on the coverage, hope you enjoyed it! Feel free to leave your comments on the fight.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Fight report England’s Anthony “AJ” Joshua has defended his WBA, IBF and WBO world titles with a devastating 7th round KO of tough Russian challenger Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium in London. The fight was even for the first six rounds, with underdog Povetkin really taking the fight to Joshua. He cut Joshua’s nose in the 2nd round, before being cut over his left eye in the 4th. Joshua had a significant height and reach advantage, but Povetkin had success in landing some big shots and combinations early. Joshua was forced to work over time with his jab to try and keep him at bay. The KO really came out of nowhere in the 7th round. A big right hand by Joshua set up the first of two knockdowns. It was followed up by a brutal left hook and a second right hand that put Povetkin down. Povetkin was effectively gone, but struggled gamely to his feet. Joshua went in for the kill, throwing a barrage of punches as Povetkin was against the ropes, finishing the fight with his trademark big right hand. It’s the first time the 39-year-old Povetkin has been knocked out in his long career. Both he and Joshua won super heavyweight Olympic gold medals as amateurs, Povetkin in Athens and Joshua in London. Joshua retains his unbeaten record with the victory, with tonight’s KO being his 21st win inside the distance out of 22 pro fights. The only man who has ever gone the distance with him is New Zealand’s Joseph Parker. Povetkin slips to 34-2 with the loss. The win sets up a mega potential payday for Joshua next year to unify the heavyweight division. The only belt he doesn’t currently hold is the WBC title that’s held by America’s KO specialist Deontay Wilder (40-0, 39 KOs). Wilder is defending his belt against former world champ Tyson Fury (27-0) in December.
Brendan Jones
Roar Rookie
Your analysis of Wilder is spot on the the reason he probably will continue to duck him, wilder knows he’ll most likely lose
Davico
Roar Pro
Very well spoken young man. Classy
Brendan Jones
Roar Rookie
John, want are your thoughts on Pacquaio v Mayweather 2??? Will it happen, should it happen???
Davico
Roar Pro
Bring on Wilder. With how straight AJ fights I just can’t see how Wilder gets close enough to do any damage with his windmills. Sure he lands and it is prob good night but I can see AJ picking him apart and landing that straight right at will
Brendan Jones
Roar Rookie
This was a keep active fight for Joshua and nothing more.
Brendan Jones
Roar Rookie
Now can we see Joshua v Wilder or is Wilder going to continue to duck Joshua like the Nancy boy he is??
Davico
Roar Pro
Cheers. Such a sweet punch and when someone as big as AJ is throwing it and with his timing it’s lights out!
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Great prediction Davico, exactly what happened!
John Coomer
Roar Guru
A big right hand set up the first knockdown, followed up by a brutal left hook and a second right hand. The second knock down was the result of a barrage of punches by Joshua as the struggling Povetkin was against the ropes, finished by a big right hand.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Povetkin was gone after the first knockdown, but showed his courage to get up. Joshua then went in for the kill.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Those two knockdowns came out of nowhere!
John Coomer
Roar Guru
He's down again!! It's over! Joshua wins by KO!
Davico
Roar Pro
And by the way after the shots he has taken in the first 6 rounds I have given away the suspicions as he would be gone by now and has taken some great shots. Boom!!!
John Coomer
Roar Guru
Round 7 Povetkin down!!