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Home » Eddie Hearn: Povetkin is maybe tougher than Klitschko for Joshua

Eddie Hearn: Povetkin is maybe tougher than Klitschko for Joshua

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Promoter Eddie Hearn has labeled Alexander Povetkin ‘maybe tougher than Wladimir Klitschko’ for Anthony Joshua tonight.

Povetkin, 39, attempts to rip away Joshua’s four world title belts, and Hearn has warned of the danger the Russian brings.

“This is a fight where anybody in boxing is telling me this is a tough fight, and as AJ commented earlier, Povetkin doesn’t have the commercial value of other fighters,” said Hearn.

“But if you look at the independent rankings, he’s No. 3 in the world. So if you can’t take him seriously, then you don’t know your boxing.

“The key here is the progression of AJ – this is his 22nd fight. In that period, he’s dealt with all top-tier fighters. He’s continually boxed the top 10 and champions in the world.

“Now, another man can challenge him. One defeat to Wladimir Klitschko, and that’s it.

Eddie Hearn World of Boxing
@EddieHearn

“With Povetkin, it’s about what you’re facing with the team and the country. The country and government of Russia are desperate for Povetkin to beat AJ on Sept. 22.

“In my opinion, this is AJ’s toughest fight outside and maybe including Klitschko. It’s a tougher fight than maybe some of his future opponents.

“It’s an opportunity to show he’s the best in the world,” he added.

ROAD TO UNDISPUTED

The pair trade blows at Wembley Stadium in front of a rumored crowd of 70,000+ live on DAZN in the United States.

Joshua is a massive favorite, although the majority of punters are backing Povetkin to win.

A victory for ‘AJ’ could mean an undisputed unification against the winner of Deontay Wilder v Tyson Fury, taking place on December 1.

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