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Remind me next time

Anthony Joshua returns to the ring on Saturday night looking to successfully defend his IBF, WBA ‘Super’ and WBO heavyweight championships against the experienced Russian Alexander Povetkin. AJ was taken the distance in his last bout with Joseph Parker but has promised a return to form at Wembley Stadium by knocking out Povetkin. 

Chris Rivers brings us his boxing tips ahead of what could prove to be a tricky night for the home favourite. 

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Anthony Joshua v Alexander Povetkin

(Sat, 22:00)

Joshua's Unbeaten Run to Continue

Joshua by decision or technical decision @ 3/1 - BET NOW

Joshua improved his record to 21-0 when he got the better of Parker to add the WBO version of the heavyweight title to his growing collection. However, that night in Cardiff left fans with more questions than answers, despite the Olympic gold medallist securing a unanimous decision.

For the first time in his professional career it looked like Joshua was wary of going toe-to-toe with his opponent, fearful of the speed the lighter, smaller Parker possessed. 

Questions were raised as to whether the 28-year-old has begun to worry about what he has to lose as he seeks to unify the division. 

Any bout with the WBC champion, be it incumbent Deontay Wilder or his next opponent Tyson Fury, in the near future is dependent on Joshua continuing his winning streak and that appears to have become a factor for the Watford-born superstar.

Despite his pledge to KO Povetkin, expect to see another cagey bout from 1/9 favourite Joshua, who will be wary of the sledgehammer of a left possessed by the Russian. 

Povetkin Hopes To Imitate Parker

Fight to go the distance @ 11/4 - BET NOW

The 39-year-old has plenty of experience to call upon so shouldn't be intimidated by the atmosphere at a sell-out Wembley. Like Joshua, he is an Olympic gold medallist and has held the WBA 'regular' title during his career.

He relinquished his belt in the only loss of his 35-fight career when being out-pointed by Wladimir Klitschko in 2013.

Since that defeat, Povetkin has stopped six of his last eight opponents, including a vicious KO of David Price on the undercard of Joshua's fight with Parker.

Price was able to put Povetkin on his backside that night and that lapse in concentration will be a worry for anyone backing the 8/1 underdog in the boxing betting.

Much like his last two opponents, Carlos Takam and Parker, Joshua has a significant height advantage over Povetkin, who stands at 6ft 2in, four inches shorter than the champ. 

While providing Joshua with a significant advantage, he has struggled to put away these shorter opponents with the stoppage of Takam having been very questionable. 

Throw into the mix the fact Povetkin has never been stopped and the power he possess, and this looks like being another tricky assignment for Joshua, one he is expected to pass but not with flying colours.
 

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