Anthony Joshua Gets Face To Face With Povetkin

Unified World boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, met mandatory challenger to his IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles, Alexander Povetkin, in a face-off for the first time since their fight was announced for September 22 at Wembley stadium. Joshua was in New York for the launch of DAZN, the streaming site which will provide Sky Sports with 16 new US fight nights.

Distraction

Into the middle of his face-off with Povetkin, Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller, a local New Yorker and one of DAZN’s first recruits cashed their stare-down, reigning insults at Joshua. Several minutes longer and we could have seen an impromptu fight from Joshua on air. However, before their confrontation got physical both men were separated. Miller, who is ranked at No 3 with the IBF and WBA and has not been beaten in 22 fights, revealed what he told Joshua to Sky Sports:

“I walked up on him, and whispered behind him: ‘you’re a punk, let’s make it happen. I’m not Dominic Breazeale, man. I want it. I would whoop him at Wembley. “Listen Britain – you’ve seen fake models. You’ll see the real model, the people’s champ, not the one-time English champ. The world champ – that’s me.” — Miller

Focus

Joshua told Sky Sports:

 “People talk about me, then see me face to face, and they still want to talk. I defend my titles in the ring, I’m dedicated, and I just won’t tolerate it outside the ring either. I defend my position. That’s what we do as fighters.  “Anyone is welcome to come and get the smoke. Firstly I will focus on Povetkin but you never know what the future holds. There is always someone clucking around my feet. I have to kick them back down, and keep them humble.” — Joshua

When questioned about his first meeting with his September 22 challengern who is obviously about four inches shorter than he is, Joshua told Sky Sports’ Jim White:

“It’s not the height of the man, it’s the fight of the man. He’s fought people like me all his life. He’s used to tall guys. He knows how to slip and throw punches, so I’ve got to make sure I give him no gaps or openings. It’s not the height that’s the issue – it’s how willing and determined he is.” — Joshua

About an impending undisputed title bout against Deontay Wilder on April 13 at Wembley, Joshua told Jim:

“People are attaching names to names but don’t back it up. We’ve been fighting the best of the best. Wilder is more than welcome on this gravy train – he’s not off the table, he’s still a priority. Povetkin became a priority when the WBA said: ‘This is your mandatory challenger’. I refuse to give up my WBA belt. “I have set a date – I am willing to fight Wilder, providing I beat Povetkin. My side has been signed. All I need to do is get Wilder to sign his side, and the fight is locked in and official.” — Joshua