Anthony Joshua knows that Alexander Povetkin has knockout power – and has identified the key punch to be wary of.
Upcoming challenger Povetkin was last seen brutally knocking out David Price and will aim to deal Joshua the same fate on September 22 when they meet for the IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles.
“In terms of that performance, you can see he knows how to knock someone out,” Joshua told Sky Sports on Wednesday when asked about Povetkin beating Price.
“He’s got a great left hook. Triple left hook sometimes, he throws. So basically he showed that he knows how to knock someone out. I showed that night that I know how to go 12 rounds [against Joseph Parker].”
Povetkin has 24 knockouts from 35 fights, with his only loss coming to Wladimir Klitschko five years ago.
Joshua was taken the distance for the first time in his most recent fight against Parker but has vowed not to need the judges against Povetkin.
“Parker survived, no disrespect to him, but he went onto the back foot,” Joshua said. “I boxed cleverly because I thought I was fighting Deontay Wilder next so I didn’t get involved. Now, I’ve had time to reflect on my performance and I think I’ll go back to the old me.
“No worries about who is next. I know who is supposed to be next. Is it Parker, Wilder, Kubrat Pulev, Povetkin?
“I’ll go guns blazing.”