Joshua and Povetkin met in person for the first time yesterday with both men already looking in solid condition months out from their September 22nd clash at Wembley.

A lot has been spoken about Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua in recent months but now, with the reality of Russian Alexander Povetkin in front of Joshua next up, the dawning on Joshua of just how steep a challenge he represents is sinking in.

Both guys are Olympic champions with Povetkin possessing considerably more amateur and professional experience than his younger counterpart.

Povetkin at times has put on a lot of weight in between training camps but not the case this time around however, as this video from Fight Hub TV YouTube (hat tip) shows:

Mutual respect shown but clearly a steely determination in both men’s eyes.

With so much on the line and at risk in Joshua’s career at this point, with the money that’s been invested in him too, I can’t see him going guns blazing at Povetkin on September 22nd.

At least early on or unless Povetkin forces him too.

The Deontay Wilder super fight would not be what it is if Joshua were to lose his belts.

One of the big lures of a Joshua vs Wilder fight is that it would unify all four major heavyweight belts.

Something not done often these days in boxing.