Anthony Joshua Vs Alexander Povetkin: Likely Outcomes
On September 22nd 2018, Anthony Joshua puts it all on the line against Alexander Povetkin, with the Russian looking to end the undefeated professional streak of Watford-born Joshua.
Despite 39 year old Povetkin’s impressive record of 34 wins and one loss, the Joshua vs Povetkin betting has Joshua as the heavy favorite, priced at 1/12. But could the fight be closer than the bookies are making out?
A look at Povetkin’s record shows victories over some impressive fighters, many of whom had youth on their side. His only defeat was suffered at the hands of the legendary Wladimir Klitschko, although Povetkin still impressed, taking the fight all the way to the end, but losing via unanimous decision.
It is for this reason that Joshua has been warned not to take his eyes off Povetkin, despite talk continuing of a potential fight between Joshua and the winner of the Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder fight, which is expected later this year.
Former welterweight champion, Ricky Hatton, has told Joshua not to overlook Povetkin, as the Russian poses a real threat to the Briton’s undefeated streak.
At the same time, Povetkin has admitted that Joshua will be his toughest fight to date, even tougher than facing Wladimir Klitschko in his prime.
Decision
For Povetkin, a result via decision is very much on the cards, with the Russian having claimed victory in this manner on 10 occasions. His only loss was also suffered via decision, meaning that he is able to take some of the best all the way to the end.
Joshua on the other hand, has only experienced one fight that has gone to a decision, his victory over the previously undefeated Joseph Parker, to add the WBO Heavyweight title to his vast collection of championships.
These two highly accomplished boxers will be wary of being caught off guard by the other. If anyone is likely to capitalise on a lapse in concentration, it is likely to be Joshua, who has the better movement and longer reach of the two.
Knockout
In his most recent fight, on the 31st March 2018, Povetkin was able to defeat David Price, knocking the Briton out in the fifth round.
This was his 24th victory via knockout and, as the video above shows, it was a brutal knockout from the Russian. After dazing Price, he was able to inflict a final punch to end the fight.
However, Joshua is a calibre above Price, with a far more impressive résumé and will provide Povetkin with a much tougher fight.
Take Joshua’s fight against Carlos Takam, in which Joshua was taken to the 10th round, but survived some explosive punches from the Frenchman. What this means for Povetkin is that he will be coming up against a competitor who has shown he can hold his own defensively, while also being able to counter with a knockout blow himself.
The record of both fighters suggests that a knockout is the most likely outcome and Anthony Joshua has the ability to potentially inflict a first knockout defeat on Povetkin.
The Stats
Between the two boxers’ records, there have been 56 fights, with over 75% of those concluding via knockout. Individually, Joshua has won 20 of his 21 fights by knocking out his opponent, while Povetkin has managed 24 knockouts in his 35 fights.
Both Povetkin and Joshua have won Olympic gold medals, with Povetkin experiencing his Olympic success at Athens 2004, eight years prior to Joshua’s success at London 2012.
Looking at the statistics, our prediction is for a knockout win for Anthony Joshua, and for it to happen after the ninth round. Both fighters are able to go the distance, but Joshua’s youth and hunger for further success should see him secure the win via knockout, although it will be one of his toughest fights to date.