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ANTHONY JOSHUA said he will have to wear his dancing shoes if he is to remain undefeated against Alexander Povetkin on Saturday night.

Povetkin heads into the Wembley showdown as the Brit's lightest ever opponent with Joshua weighing almost TWO STONE heavier.

 Anthony Joshua weighed-in two stone heavier than Alexander Povetkin today
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Anthony Joshua weighed-in two stone heavier than Alexander Povetkin todayCredit: Richard Pelham - The Sun
 Anthony Joshua has vowed to be fast on his feet against Alexander Povetkin
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Anthony Joshua has vowed to be fast on his feet against Alexander PovetkinCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Joshua touched the scales at 17st 8lb 5ozs while the Russian came in at just 15st 12lb.

Povetkin, 39, is also the heavyweight champ’s shortest opponent in height and reach.



Joshua highlighted the dangers that Povetkin will pose but remains confident he can make it 22 without loss at Wembley Stadium.

He said: “He’s going to be quick and he’s going to be fast so I’ve got to put on my dancing shoes and be quick on my feet.

 Alexander Povetkin says he's in the best shape of his life at just under 16 stone
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Alexander Povetkin says he's in the best shape of his life at just under 16 stoneCredit: AP:Associated Press
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 Anthony Joshua takes on Alexander Povetkin at Wembley tomorrow night
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Anthony Joshua takes on Alexander Povetkin at Wembley tomorrow nightCredit: Richard Pelham - The Sun
 Anthony Joshua will 'put on his dancing shoes' for tomorrow's showdown
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Anthony Joshua will 'put on his dancing shoes' for tomorrow's showdownCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

“I always look at it this way. If they’re strong to the head then take them out to the body.

“If they’re strong to the body then take them to the head. Sooner or later they will fold.

“I’m a physical, strong guy and know how to box so it will be a strong competitive fight.”

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn exclusively told SunSport how he thinks Joshua is feeling the pressure with his WBA, WBO and IBF belts on the line.

Anthony Joshua says he expects a tough title defence against Russian challenger Alexander Povetkin
 Anthony Joshua is aiming to maintain his impressive unbeaten record
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Anthony Joshua is aiming to maintain his impressive unbeaten recordCredit: Richard Pelham - The Sun

But Joshua claims he is feeling calm and relaxed following some words of wisdom from trainer Rob McCracken.

He added: “I don’t let it get to me, I’m feeling very relaxed.

“Rob said it to me before this fight, he said 'don’t stress too much because in 30 years you’ll look back on these and say they are the best times of your life so enjoy it for what they are now.'”

Povetkin has dropped seven pounds since he demolished David Price on the undercard of Joshua’s win over Joseph Parker in March.

But he insists he has no problems over the difference in weight.

He told Sky Sports: “I’m very happy about the weight difference, I feel great.”

Anthony Joshua says it’s his job to prove a clean fighter can beat a drug cheat ahead of war with Alexander Povetkin
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