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Joshua vs Povetkin: Lennox Lewis hopes Anthony Joshua can soon prove himself as heavyweight No 1

Anthony Joshua
Image: Anthony Joshua defends his world titles against Alexander Povetkin on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports Box Office

Lennox Lewis hopes Anthony Joshua will soon receive the opportunity to become undisputed heavyweight king, almost 20 years after he conquered the division.

Britain's current champion defends his WBA 'super', IBF and WBO titles against Alexander Povetkin in front of an expected attendance of up to 90,000 at Wembley Stadium this Saturday night, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Book Joshua vs Povetkin online
Book Joshua vs Povetkin online

Click here for the easy way to ensure you don't miss the Wembley Stadium showdown, on September 22.

Joshua remains eager to battle Deontay Wilder for the last remaining WBC title, although the American has accepted a challenge to face Tyson Fury, and Lewis hopes the trio can cross paths in the future, just as he did against rivals such as Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson.

Joshua and Povetkin meet at Wembley
Image: Joshua faces his Russian challenger at Wembley Stadium
Referee revealed!
Referee revealed!

British representative for Joshua v Povetkin

Lewis told Sky Sports News: "I remember being in that situation where everybody was saying, 'Holyfield is the best, Tyson is the best. I'm the best.' But I just buckled down and I wanted to show the world that I was the best.

"A lot of big guys, serious guys that want to be heavyweight champions of the world are out there. A lot of good match-ups down the line.

Lennox Lewis displays his championsip belts after defeatin Evamder Holyfield in  the World Heavyweight Championship unification fight.
Image: Lennox Lewis was hailed as No 1 after 1999 win over Evander Holyfield

"Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury stands out, Deontay stands out. There's a lot of heavyweights that are standing out, but there's a few of them have a lot to learn still.

"It will come out in the end who really steps up. Hopefully they'll get the ball rolling soon."

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Lewis hopes a dominant heavyweight champion will 'step up'

Joshua admits a potential fight with Wilder could be a high-risk shootout between two of the sport's biggest punchers, although he relishes the chance to share the ring with the 'Bronze Bomber'.

He said: "I know it's going to be a 50-50 fight, because of my lack of experience in terms of rounds, but in terms of what I've been through in that short space of time, I know I'm ready to rock and roll.

AJ: I'll face Fury at his best
AJ: I'll face Fury at his best

Anthony Joshua wants to fight Tyson Fury when British rival is at his best

"I don't fear any of them."

Watch Joshua vs Povetkin, at Wembley Stadium, on September 22, live on Sky Sports Box Office, from 6pm. Book via your Sky remote or book it online here.

Even if you aren't a Sky TV subscriber you can book and watch it at skysports.com/boxofficelive.