After initially agreeing on a deal with Eddie Hearn on May 14, Povetkin gets his chance after Joshua walked away from negotiations with Deontay Wilder.
Joshua cited a WBA mandatory stipulation for the collapse of a fight with Wilder. However, the Briton failed to ask for an exception as a unification overrules any number one contender.
Despite the collapse of an undisputed clash for all the belts, Kornilov says viewers of Sky Sports Box Office and US streaming service DAZN can expect a much better fight than what would have been the biggest heavyweight battle in twenty years had Joshua v Wilder made it over the line.
“The WBA has actually been very patient, but now they are pushing us to finalize this mandatory deal,” Kornilov told Sky Sports.
“I think Povetkin and Joshua are two gold medallists, a very competitive, top of the line fight. I think this is the best fight in the heavyweight division today.
“If the Wilder-Joshua fight is going to happen, it’s going to happen. Right now, Povetkin-Joshua, and that’s what it’s all about.
DEONTAY WILDER
“The fans should be happy, they should not be disappointed, because to be honest with you, I think the fans are going to get a much more competitive and exciting fight in this one.
“Wilder-Joshua has been a lot of hype. This fight is the real deal,” he added.
On September 22 at Wembley Stadium, it is already being reported for Joshua v Povetkin, even though a contract with Wilder didn’t contain anything of the sort.
Wilder was offered the opportunity to fight Joshua in ten months on April 13, 2019, at the same venue. However, a lot can happen between now and the spring of next year.
For now, everyone can begin looking forward to Joshua v Povetkin in the UK this fall.
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