Joshua to defend heavyweight titles against Povetkin

Resurgent Pacquiao wants second crack at Mayweather

LONDON, July 16, (AFP): Britain’s Anthony Joshua will defend his World Boxing Association, World Boxing Organization and International Boxing Federation heavyweight titles against Russia’s Alexander Povetkin at London’s Wembley Stadium on Sept 22, promoter Eddie Hearn announced Monday.

Povetkin is the mandatory challenger for Joshua’s WBA title and a successful bout against the Russian would give the London 2012 Olympic champion greater freedom to choose his next opponent.

Joshua had been hoping to fight fellow unbeaten heavyweight champion Lumpur on Sunday knowing a defeat could have lowered the curtain on one of the greatest careers in boxing history.

Instead he opened a glorious new act in a 23-year story that has seen him become the only man to move up through eight weight divisions and win world titles in all of them.

Despite racing towards his 40th birthday, Pacquiao looks like he is back to being the devastatingly quick and ruthless power-puncher who earned the sobriquet of world’s “best pound-for-pound fighter” between 2000 and 2010.

In this file photo taken on March 31, 2018, Anthony Joshua (right), of Great Britain goes on the offensive against Joseph Parker of New Zealand during

their heavyweight unification bout at Principality Stadium in Cardiff. (AFP)

In 2015 Pacquiao, with a win-lossdraw record of 60-7-2, lost a unanimous points decision to the unbeaten Mayweather (50-0) in one of the richest fights in boxing history, but then needed surgery on a damaged shoulder that he claimed had restricted his movement and punching power.

After rolling back the years to pummel Matthysse into seventh-round submission, the Filipino legend is already considering the options for his next fight, which could take place as early as November or December.

“Mayweather? If he decides to go back to boxing then that is the time we are going to call the shots,” an effervescent Pacquiao told reporters at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur after his stunning win.

“I have the belt, so it’s up to him. If he wants to come back in boxing let’s do a second one,” he grinned.

Pacquiao also highlighted British former light welterweight world champion Amir Khan as a potential opponent.

“My next fight, I want to defend my belt,” Pacquiao said.

He also said he would carry on fighting past his 40th birthday in December, despite the demands of juggling life in the ring with a political career outside it.

South African surprise finalist Anderson, 32, moved up three places to fifth in the rankings.

Serb Djokovic, whose last stay in the top 10 dates back to October 2017, is hoping his 13th grand slam title will mark a turning point after a difficult two years marked by loss of motivation, personal issues and niggling injuries.

Spain’s Rafael Nadal remains top of the table and has widened the gap over number two Roger Federer,