Heavyweight Boxing Betting Preview: Anthony Joshua vs Alexander Povetkin

Published on: 18/09/2018

Heavyweight Boxing Betting Preview: Anthony Joshua vs Alexander Povetkin

September 22, 2018 10:00pm - Wembley Stadium

WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO Heavyweight Championship

Two former Olympic champions will go head-to-head on Saturday night as Anthony Joshua defends his collection of heavyweight titles against Russian challenger Alexander Povetkin.

Following his victory over Joseph Parker in March, it had been widely expected that Joshua would attempt to prize the WBC belt away from Deontay Wilder, to complete his collection. However, the parties failed to agree unification terms within the governing body`s time limit. Instead, Joshua will face the mandatory challenger who failed two drug tests in 2016 yet evaded a ban from the sport - although he did miss out on a WBC world heavyweight clash with champion Deontay Wilder and a title eliminator against Bermane Stiverne.

Despite those controversial incidents, Povetkin has protested his innocence and has continued to fight. His current winning streak dates back to October 2013 when he suffered his only ever defeat, against Wladimir Klitschko. Since then he has won eight in a row including a brutal fifth round knockout win over Britains David Price on the Joshua vs Parker undercard earlier this year. The Russian has yet to be stopped in 35 fights, with only points separating him and Klitschko.

Joshua`s own record remains unblemished with 22 wins from 22 fights. This will be his third appearance at Wembley having already defeated Matt Legg on the Froch vs Groves undercard in 2014, and Klitschko last year. As well as claiming the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO titles, the victor will be in line to face the winner of the upcoming clash between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury.

Anthony Joshua Stats:

Age: 28

Height: 6` 6" / 198cm

Reach: 82" / 208cm

Fights: 21

Wins: 21

Wins by KO: 20

Alexander Povetkin Stats:

Age: 38

Height: 6` 2" / 188cm

Reach: 75" / 191cm

Fights: 35

Wins: 34

Wins by KO: 24

Betting odds and tips

Joshua will start as odds-on favourite with best prices of around 1/9 available, so not much value there. However, many pundits are expecting a closer fight than the prices suggest and the fact Povetkin has never been stopped must be taken into consideration.

However, Joshua is four inches taller and a decade younger than his opponent. The size difference might not be as relevant, as the Russian can use his compactness and physical bullishness to his advantage, but the age difference cannot be ignored. Povetkin is seeing out the last days of his career while Joshua is a man in his prime.

This will be Joshua`s toughest challenge yet, but the age gap should give him the edge. The fight could go all the way, but a late round stoppage is more likely.

You can back Anthony Joshua Round 10-12 at 4/1.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 18/09/2018

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (18/09/2018 11:08:52) but are subject to change.