Anthony Joshua’s last opponent Alexander Povetkin has declared that he wants to face Dillian Whyte when he returns in April.
Having just lost what he expects to be his final title shot, the 39-year-old Russian previously stated he is planning to bow out of the sport with one or two more big bouts.
His promoter, Andrey Ryabinsky, earlier revealed that he was in discussions with British fight-maker Eddie Hearn about potentially having Povetkin return on AJ’s next undercard, April 13 at Wembley.
Now, it seems these plans are progressing with manager Dmitry Ivanov reiterating that they are planning for their man to return on Joshua’s show.
Regarding a potential opponent, Povetkin told R Sport directly who he wants in the opposite corner: “Of course, I would like a fight with [Dillian] Whyte to take place.
“Let’s see how everything will turn out. Everything does not depend on me.”
The Russian is correct to acknowledge that proceedings are out of his hands, as it could well transpire that Anthony Joshua fights Dillian Whyte himself on April 13.
AJ’s team are trying to negotiate a bout with Deontay Wilder, however the American seems fixated on a rematch with Tyson Fury, which puts Whyte in pole position to challenge Joshua next.