The Briton, who holds the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts, stepped off with a measurement of 17 stones eight pounds and five ounces compared to the smaller Russian’s 15 stones and 12 pounds.
Joshua, undefeated in his professional career with 20 knockouts in 21 fights, had been four pounds lighter for his previous title bout against New Zealand’s Joseph Parker at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium last March.
Povetkin, the mandatory WBA challenger and like Joshua a past Olympic gold medallist, had weighed in for his previous fight against Britain’s David Price at 16 stones five pounds.
“He’s going to be quick, he’s going to be fast. That’s why I’ve got to put on my dancing shoes and be sharp with my feet,” said Joshua after the last face-to-face appearance between the two before they meet in the ring.
“I’m a physical, strong guy. I know how to box. So it will be a good competitive fight,” added the 28-year-old, who is 10cm taller than his Russian opponent.
Povetkin, 39 years old and with a 34-1 record, will be fighting in front of an 80,000 strong crowd at a stadium that Joshua calls home. He said he felt great about it. “The very least I will do is give everything I have. I do think it’s one of my last big chances,” said the Russian, speaking through an interpreter.
Joshua said on Thursday he expected Povetkin to be his toughest fight since Ukrainian giant Wladimir Klitschko. Joshua knocked out Klitschko at Wembley in April 2017 and the 2012 Olympic champion has not fought at the stadium since then. Povetkin, the 2004 Olympic super-heavyweight champion, lost to Klitschko in Moscow in 2013.
Many boxing fans had hoped this weekend would see Joshua up against World Boxing Council heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. Negotiations with the American’s camp have proved fruitless, although whether that’s the fault of Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn, Wilder’s management or some combination of both — the often protracted nature of talks before a ‘mega fight’ actually takes place makes it difficult to say.
That Britain’s Tyson Fury, himself a former world heavyweight champion, is set to meet Wilder in Las Vegas in November, as he continues his comeback to the ring is a reminder that Joshua is not the ‘only show in town’, either domestically or internationally.
Joshua’s last fight saw the 28-year-old taken the distance for the first time in his professional career, but he secured a unanimous decision over New Zealand’s Joseph Parker in Cardiff in March. “There’s loads of pressure; tons of pressure,” Joshua told a Wembley said. “That’s the reality. You’re calm and collected but underneath it all it’s the reality. We both know what we are in for. It’s the same with every fight. What more can I do than give my best? I’ll go out there and find a way to win.”
Joshua added: “I know I have a lot of fire in my belly; that’s just as important as skills. Skills and technique apart, we both have a big heart and can dig deep. We both showed that against Klitschko (who beat Povetkin on points). The one who’s toughest will come out victorious.”
A crowd of some 80,000 is expected at Wembley and Joshua said: “Coming back is a blessing — it’s time to put on a performance. This is not new to me, this feels like home.”
The night Joshua outpointed Parker at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Povetkin demonstrated his considerable punching power on the undercard, with a fearsome fifth-round knockout of Britain’s David Price.
The only blot on Povetkin’s 35-fight professional record is the 2013 defeat by Klitschko. He will be giving away several inches in height and reach against Joshua, but Povetkin is convinced he is now a stronger fighter than the one beaten by Klitschko. “Joshua is one of the strongest in the division,” said Povetkin. “Anthony is a very strong fighter but I am just as strong. When I fought Klitschko I was much weaker and in worse shape than I am now.”
Joshua’s trainer, Rob McCracken, was in no doubt of Povetkin’s class.
“This is a fighter from a different level, with respect to Parker and (Carlos) Takam,” he said. “Povetkin comes from the top level.”
