Anthony Joshua vs Alexander Povetkin date named as heavyweight champion refuses to look at Deontay Wilder fight

Joshua will take on 34-1 Povetkin on 22 September with a heavyweight title showdown against Wilder already pencilled in for next April

Anthony Joshua will not underestimate the threat of Alexander Povetkin after their heavyweight title fight was confirmed, despite the prospect of a unification bout with Deontay Wilder on the line if he can maintain his 100 per cent professional record.

Joshua will defend his WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles against Russian Povetkin at Wembley Stadium on 22 September, with WBC champion Wilder awaiting him for a second stadium bout in April next year.

But despite the allure of that heavyweight showdown with Wilder, Joshua used Monday’s confirmation to admit that he cannot take his eye of the upcoming bout, having seen what he did to fellow British heavyweight David Price on the undercard of Joshua’s most recent win over Joseph Parker.

"I can't wait to get back in the ring. The end of March feels a long time ago now," said Joshua. "Povetkin is a serious challenge that I will prepare meticulously for. He has serious pedigree and only a fool would underestimate what he brings to the table.

"Training hasn't stopped for me, but the next 10 weeks ahead will be intense both mentally and physically. I will push myself to breaking point to make sure I am in peak condition for another huge night for British boxing at Wembley Stadium on September 22nd."

Despite being in the twilight of his career at 38 years old, Povetkin retains his desire to become a world champion, having been beaten by Wladimir Klitschko – the man Joshua defeated to win the WBA and lesser known IBO titles – back in 2013.

Anthony Joshua defends his three heavyweight world titles against Alexander Povetkin (PA)

Povetkin, like Joshua, is an Olympic super-heavyweight champion after winning gold at Athens 2004 eight years before Joshua’s crowning moment in London, and his professional record of 35 fights is only blemished by that one defeat against Klitschko – though it also contains a failed drugs test back in 2017.

"The battle for the world title has always been my goal," Povetkin said. "I fought for the moment to face the strongest in the world and on September 22nd I get my opportunity.

"Anthony Joshua has four belts and I want them all.

Alexander Povetkin proved against David Price how dangerous he can be (Getty)

"I'm glad that our fight will finally take place. The meeting of two Olympic champions in the ring is destined to be a breathtaking event."

Should Joshua emerge from the Povetkin fight with his record, titles and body intact, promoter Eddie Hearn has already said that he will fight again at Wembley Stadium on 13 April next year, giving him a healthy six-and-a-half months to prepare for facing Wilder.