Anthony Joshua says a heavyweight showdown with Deontay Wilder will still happen, even if the American loses his WBC belt in a fight with Tyson Fury.
The unified champion defends his WBA ‘super’, IBF and WBO titles against Povetkin at Wembley on September 22, live on Sky Sports Box Office, while Wilder has announced that his next fight will be against Fury.
Joshua had hoped to face Wilder for the right to become the division’s undisputed No 1, but has pointed out that a defeat will not prevent him from sharing the ring with any of his rivals in the future.
“We’re going to fight regardless because we’re the same weight category, and we’re in the same era, and it’s the fight that people want to see,” Joshua told Sky Sports News.
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“Yeah, we’re going to fight each other, but it’s interesting, because let’s say worst happens with Povetkin, it don’t stop me from having to fight them.
If Wilder gets beat in that fight with Fury, I’ll still fight Wilder down the line, or if Fury gets beat.
“They will still want to fight me, because we’re big in the game. That fight will happen regardless who wins.
“If Wilder gets beat in that fight with Fury, I’ll still fight Wilder down the line, or if Fury gets beat.
“With boxing, one corner loses, one corner wins, but because it’s still a fight that the public will demand – big puncher, good stylistic fighter, good talkers – there will always be interest around the name of heavyweight boxing.”
The British star must firstly overcome Povetkin, the WBA’s mandatory challenger, and is eager to produce another knockout victory to strengthen his reputation as a destructive fighter.