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As it happenedended

Joshua vs Povetkin weigh-in - as it happened: Brit comes in almost 2 stone heavier than rival ahead of Wembley fight

Joshua came in at 17st, 8lbs, 5oz, while the man who will try to prize his titles away weighs 15st, 12lbs

Adam Hamdani
Friday 21 September 2018 13:52 BST
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Anthony Joshua v Alexander Povetkin press conference

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Anthony Joshua faces a gruelling test against mandatory Alexander Povetkin on Saturday evening, where not only will his WBA (super) strap be on the line at Wembley but his IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles too.

The pair will face off in front of an expected 80,000 strong crowd and as the unified champion described himself, it will be the "second toughest" contest of his professional career - behind Wladimir Klitschko of course, who famously became the first and only man to floor Joshua the last time he travelled to Wembley for a fight.

Many wanted and expected Joshua's opponent to be Deontay Wilder, with the idea of one man walking out with every possible belt available to them. Instead, and because of multiple reasons which pretty much all boil down to bravado and money, the American will face Tyson Fury before the year is out in a potential fight of the year contender.

Povetkin has lost just one of his 35 fights, losing on points to the great Klitschko in October 2013. Since then he has won eight consecutive fights, including a knockout victory over David Price on the Joshua-Parker undercard. Ominously, he has never been stopped.

Meanwhile, Joshua will be looking to extend his flawless professional record to 22-0 in his third fight at Wembley.

Please allow a moment for the live blog to load...

Alexander Povetkin's last three fight weights:

16st 5lbs vs David Price

15st 13lbs vs Christian Hammer

16st 2lbs vs Wladimir Klitschko

Povetkin at yesterday's press conference 

Adam Hamdani21 September 2018 12:41

The Big Daddy himself has been writing about Joshua vs Povetkin ahead of today's weigh-in.

Adam Hamdani21 September 2018 12:50

David Price lifts his arms into the air after weighing in against Kuzmin. A huge Saturday night will be in store for the fan favourite.

Price and Kuzmin face off 

Adam Hamdani21 September 2018 13:32

Well, all that means there's just one thing left to happen...

Michael Buffer has grabbed the mic, and Joshua-Povetkin will hit the scales momentarily.

Adam Hamdani21 September 2018 13:33

Both men are on the stage! Here we go...

Adam Hamdani21 September 2018 13:36

Alexander Povetkin tips the scales at 15st, 12lbs

Adam Hamdani21 September 2018 13:38

Next up is the champion...

Anthony Joshua, to a screaming crowd comes in at 17st, 8lbs, 5oz. A two stone difference between the two men.

Adam Hamdani21 September 2018 13:39

So Joshua comes in 4lbs heavier than his last outing against Parker, while Povetkin comes in around half a stone lighter than when he fought Price.

That's it, everything is done, all that's left now is for the two men to meet on Saturday night inside the ring.

Adam Hamdani21 September 2018 13:40

Anthony Joshua after weighing in

"Boxing ain't easy, if it was I wish I could go back 15 fights and pick out the people I have beaten already. The bigger the crowd, the tougher the fight. I'm chilled out, I'm proper relaxed because Rob, my trainer said to me 'you'll look back at this in 30 years and think of this as the best days of your life'."

Adam Hamdani21 September 2018 13:43

Anthony Joshua on Povetkin's threat

"He's going to be quick, going to be fast, so I'll put on my dancing shoes and be fast with my feet.

"I'm a physical, strong guy who knows how to box."

Joshua and Povetkin face off 

Adam Hamdani21 September 2018 13:45

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