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 11:51 · Adam Hamdani]

Welcome to our coverage of Anthony Joshua vs Alexander Povetkin press conference in London.

The Brit's WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO titles on the line at Wembley this weekend.

The duo will speak for the final time before Saturday's must-watch clash at the final pre-fight press conference.

We will have the latest right here. So without further ado, off we go.

[20 September 2018 11:53 · Adam Hamdani]

Before things get going, did you know that Joshua has claimed he's going through somewhat of a mid-life crisis?

Yep, we found it hard to believe too... but he has his reasons.

[20 September 2018 12:04 · Adam Hamdani]

The undercard press conference gets underway shortly.

All these fighters will talk, including David Price who was knocked out by Povetkin the last time Joshua fought.

Full undercard announced so far:

Luke Campbell vs Yvan Mendy

Matty Askin vs Lawrence Okolie

Sergey Kuzmin vs David Price

Shakhram Giyasov vs Julio Laguna

Dano Zaxo vs Tony Bilic

Chris Kongo vs Salim Benrejb

[20 September 2018 12:12 · Adam Hamdani]

Anthony Joshua describes David Price as 'unquestionably the biggest puncher in the heavyweight division'.

Price's fight was only announced earlier this month and gives him opportunity to try and push his name back up amongst the contenders of the heavyweight division. Defeat could see him pushed down to domestic level.

David Price at York Hall 

[20 September 2018 12:14 · Adam Hamdani]

"He's never been hit the way I'm going to hit him. This is potentially fight of the night. You don't want to blink. I can't lose, it's potentially life changing." 

David Price realises this is a fight that means everything to his career.

[20 September 2018 12:16 · Adam Hamdani]

"Thanks everyone for coming out. I have a lot of self belief because of the training I put in, the lifestyle I live. Week in, week out I'm working. Askin is a good fighter, I knew that before the fight was thought about being made. I know what kind of fight this is going to be. I look forward to it."

Undefeated Lawrence Okolie isn't taking his British cruiserweight fight lightly.

Lawrence Okolie warms up at York Hall 

[20 September 2018 12:18 · Adam Hamdani]

"He possesses a lot of problems for me, it's a chance for me to prove I'm at the level I say I am. It's risky but it has its rewards and to do it on this scale is unbelievable."

Matty Askin has tasted defeat on three occasions throughout his professional career but thinks he will defeat Okolie inside the distance.

[20 September 2018 12:21 · Adam Hamdani]

It's a big night for Luke Campbell - a WBC final eliminator against Yvan Mendy, who he was shocked by in a split decision back in 2015.

"We know what he brings to the table," Campbell said on Mendy.

[20 September 2018 12:22 · Adam Hamdani]

The undercard talking is done - there will be some head to heads before we move onto the main event press conference at around 1pm.

Joshua is notoriously late for these events, so if he doesn't turn up on time, stick with us. We promise he'll arrive...

[20 September 2018 12:26 · Adam Hamdani]

During this lull period, why not take a look at this? The man who has fought and lost to both, Carlos Takam, gives his opinion on the upcoming clash.