Joshua-Povetkin deal to be “finalised soon”
Anthony Joshua and Alexander Povetkin have almost agreed to terms to fight one another this September, according to a report on the World Boxing News.
Matchroom Boxing head and Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn held a meeting with Povetkin’s representatives last week and revealed that negotiations went smoothly.
The Russian’s manager Vadim Kornilov admitted that he hopes the two can meet in the ring in September, but the only thing stalling the deal at the moment is Joshua’s negotiations with American Deontay Wilder.
Wilder is Joshua’s first choice opponent, but if talks with him break down then he must face his mandatory challenger Povetkin.
Kornilov said:
The meeting with Eddie Hearn went great. We are still ongoing in our negotiations for Alexander Povetkin to fight Anthony Joshua in September. The site and country is to be finalized soon but I am hoping we can get an understanding by the end of the month.
Team Povetkin wants to fight for the world title and we are confident it will happen.
Joshua wants to fight Wilder in the UK whilst the WBC champion wants the fight to take place in the USA.
This could be Povetkin’s chance to prove what he is capable of against the current king of the heavyweight division.