Wednesday 17 January 2018 13:37, UK
Anthony Joshua’s WBA mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin has been offered a spot on his upcoming undercard.
Joshua is aiming to unify his IBF and WBA gold with Joseph Parker's WBO belt, but knows he will eventually have to defend against Russia's Povetkin.
"We've got a great relationship with [Povetkin's promoters] World of Boxing and he might box on the card," Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports.
We've offered it to Dereck Chisora and David Price. If Povetkin boxes on the card, it will be against a Brit.
"We've offered it to Dereck Chisora and David Price. If Povetkin boxes on the card, it will be against a Brit.
"Povetkin is a good name, and a good heavyweight. And it gives a Brit a chance to be involved in a big fight."
Povetkin's only career defeat came in 2013 against Wladimir Klitschko. In 2016, he failed a drug test which cost him a scheduled shot at Deontay Wilder's WBC title, but he recently out-pointed Christian Hammer to put himself on a collision course with Joshua.
Asked when the WBA might enforce the mandatory defence upon Joshua, who wants to fight three times in 2018, Hearn said: "[They are likely] to call it in the summer, so maybe [fight in] December.
"Financially, [Povetkin's promoters] have stated that they would rather come to the UK. We won't be going to Russia.
"At some point in 2018, it is likely [Joshua] will have to fight Povetkin. We'll see when."
Watch the Anthony Joshua vs Joseph Parker world heavyweight title unification fight, from Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on March 31, live and exclusive on Sky Sports Box Office.
