Anthony Joshua is feeling the pressure ahead of his heavyweight title showdown with Alexander Povetkin, admits Eddie Hearn
EDDIE HEARN believes heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is feeling the heat ahead of his Wembley showdown with Alexander Povetkin.
The undefeated Brit will put his WBA, WBO and IBF belts on the line on Saturday night against the Russian brute who has lost just once in his 13 professional years.
Joshua heads into the bout without defeat in 21 fights and another win could set up a mouth-watering world title fight against Deontay Wilder.
Last night the 28-year-old admitted he felt tired after his toughest training camp ever.
And promoter Hearn admits AJ has a "definite fear of losing" because he has the weight of expectancy on his shoulders.
Speaking exclusively to SunSport at Bethnal Green's iconic York Hall, Hearn said: "He's feeling the pressure.
"He's the unified heavyweight champion of the world, he's the biggest star in boxing, one of the biggest sport stars in the country.
"He can't walk down the street without getting mobbed and the game has become very serious to him.
"Joshua knows that people will be praying for his downfall and there will be a massive pressure of losing.
"He definitely has that fear, a lot of fighters do especially if they are unbeaten."
Povetkin's only career defeat came against Ukrainian heavyweight legend Wladimir Klitschko five years ago.
He brutally demolished Brit's David Price in his last fight which came on the undercard of Joshua's win over Joseph Parker.
But Hearn believes that Povetkin, 39, will not be able to handle Joshua's power.
He added: "Joshua wins the fight by being ruthless and smart. He understands that Povetkin will be looking to counter-punch.
"Povetkin will be smart but he can't handle his pace and power.
"Joshua's got to put that on him and when he hurts him he's got top finish him."
A win could see AJ lined up with fights against Dillian Whyte, Tyson Fury or Wilder.
But Hearn thinks there is only one opponent for him. He said: "I want him to fight Wilder, we want that fight desperately and we'll see if they want that too."