Anthony Joshua recover from slow start to beats Povetkin via Knockout

Joshua retains his IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight after beating Povetkin on Saturday at Wembley.

British boxer of Nigerian descent Anthony Joshua recovered from a slow start to retains his heavyweight titles with a knockout win over Alexander Povetkin on Saturday, September 22 at Wembley.

It was a knockout that came as Povetkin gradually waned out after coming out in full force from the start of the bout.

The Russian had threatened to dampen the mood of the Wembley crowd who were cheering Joshua all night after coming on top at the end of Round One.

Even more worrying for the home fans, he had given Joshua a cut on his nose which bled profusely.

Joshua looked wobbly in Round 2 but somehow sufficed the onslaught from Povetkin who wanted to round of the bout quickly.

"Povetkin is a very tough challenger and he proved it tonight," Joshua told Sky Sports.

"I realised he was strong to the head but weak to the body. I got my knockout streak back, I found my right hand again."

Saturday’s win makes it 22 wins from 22 fights, with 21 knockouts for Joshua who is set to face either World Boxing Council (WBC) champions Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury who faces the American on December 1.

"My number one would be Wilder," Joshua said when asked about his next opponent.

Joshua has Wembley booked already for April 13 2019.

"May the champion bring himself here and have a good old-fashioned dust-up," he added.

"All I want to fight is serious challengers. If Dillian (Whyte) wants to fight here he is also more than welcome."