Heavyweight champion of the world Anthony Joshua has been bold in his prediction ahead of his fight this weekend at Wembley stadium.

Earlier today his promoter Eddie Hearn said he thinks the fight could be a slug fest but was predicting Joshua would get the job done in round 7.

Now Joshua’s had his round call and it’s not far off from the above.

Speaking to DAZN after his public workout tonight, Joshua said:

“It’s a tough ask. You know what it is, I’ve got to whip shots to the body, slow him down and hopefully take him out in round 8.”

A la Conor McGregor with that one, Anthony.

It’s seldom you’d hear of a fighter on that kind of level call the actual round but Joshua has been noticeably more to the point and aggressive verbally in his interviews this time round.

One gets the impression he really wants to go out there and put on a show after what some considered a slightly lack luster display last time out against Joseph Parker.

If this is the case, expect an absolute barnstormer of a heavyweight battle on Saturday – as Povetkin is not going to take a backwards step for anyone.

As long as the fight goes, that is. I can’t see this lasting the distance.