BRITISH boxing’s hottest prospect Anthony Joshua returns to a packed Wembley tonight to continue his journey towards undisputed heavyweight glory.
Standing in his way is Alexander Povetkin, an experienced and durable heavyweight, with a renowned left hook and a record of 34 wins and 1 sole defeat (a points loss to Vladimir Klitschko 5 years ago) to his name, although Joshua has already arguably faced more quality opponents in his short career to date.
This is a tricky fight for Joshua, with bigger more lucrative title showdowns looming on the horizon. I don’t expect Joshua to take too many risks against a dangerous opponent.
I expect Povetkin to utilise his movement and lighter frame to cause Joshua problems and have success in the fight, however at almost two stone lighter and in the twilight of his career, I don’t think that Povetkin will carry enough of a knock out threat into the later rounds of the fight to stop Joshua coming forward.
I expect Joshua to use his height and weight advantage to land telling shots in the middle rounds and the cumulative effect of these will result in a late stoppage.
Recommended Bets
- Main stake: Over 8.5 rounds – 6/5 with Betway
- Medium stake: Joshua to win by KO in rounds 9-12 – 9/2 with Skybet
- Small stakes: Joshua to win by KO in round 10 – 16/1 with William Hill, Skybet, Betfair
The undercard has some interesting fights. Luke Campbell squares off against Yvan Mendy in a WBC eliminator fight with the winner to face the imperious Mikey Garcia for world title honours.
It’s also a chance for Campbell to avenge a points defeat to Mendy three years ago. Campbell has progressed and competed against better fighters since and I expect him to get his revenge with a unanimous points decision at 5/4 with Coral.
The British Cruiserweight title is on the line as rising prospect Lawrence Okolie looks to dethrone Matty Askin in what should be an entertaining fight.
Okolie has a knock out heavy record but Askin is a seasoned professional who won’t be intimidated in there. I do think Okolie does carry genuine power and may compete at a higher level in the future, so I expect him to continue his rise through the levels and get the KO here at 10/11 with Coral. Okolie in rounds 5-8 is also worth a look at 3/1 with Coral.
David Price is in make or break territory again, against the durable and capable Russian Sergey Kuzmin.
Price is fresh off a devastating defeat to Povetkin and with 9 KO’s in his perfect 12 fight record so far, there is clear indication that Kuzmin packs a punch himself.
Price did acquit himself relatively well against Povetkin so I don’t expect him to be blown away, however it’s hard to see anything but a KO win for Kuzmin. The bookies think this one will be over quickly but I think Price has enough about him to get into the second half of the fight, when his lack of stamina will start to work against him. I fancy Kuzmin by KO in rounds 6-10 at 10/3 with Skybet.
Kuzmin, Okolie and Joshua all by KO and Campbell on points pays 4.3/1 with Bet365 and is also worth a flutter.
Should be a decent night’s boxing, enjoy and good luck fight fans!
