Based on their performances against Takam, I would say Povetkin looked better, Povetkin "softened" Takam up for Joshua, meaning that he KO'd him, and ruined his mental state, so by the time he got in the ring with Joshua he was a different man (not to mention Takam getting beat by Parker after Povetkin), shot mentally. And Joshua got punched a lot by Takam(so did Povetkin), stopped him in his tracks a few times... So I think Povetkin gets a 50/50 shot at Joshua.
First of all, Povetkin was framed to protect Wilder, later VADA cleared him, but WBC had to protect Wilder.............same with Ortiz....................Povetkin is a real threat to any boxer living today...............a real threat.............
It's testament to the very high standards Povetkin set after his Wlad loss that there is a case for saying he is shot and won't be a huge threat to Joshua. I just don't see Hammer or Rudenko surviving 12 with Joshua. I think Povetkin could go the distance with Joshua but no chance of a decision in London. Parker is certainly beatable but Femi has him lined up anyway, and Wilder is probably still too frightened.
Unfortunately, Povetkin passed his prime, the last two fights clearly demonstrated this, in these two fights Povetkin had to win by knockout even before the middle of the fights. I think that Wilder or AJ would have beaten Rudenko and Hammer very easily, KO4-8.
Povetkins work rate has gone down the tube , he'll be a siting duck walking forward on Joshua like he did with Hammer. Its hard to ever see these two in the ring. Povetkn never left Europe and pulled out of a fight in England before so its unlikely he'll travel over in the twilight of his career. Its equally unlikely that Rabinsky puts million on the purse bids so Povetkin can get knocked out in the motherland. They'll probably go after Parker , beat him , defend a few times against bums and then call it a day.
Can't really take much from last night's fight. A big, fairly experienced guy who had a high guard all night and just wanted to survive was always going to be difficult to stop. I think Pov gives AJ a hard time but AJ takes a UD, maybe knocking Pov down. I think Pov has too much experience and variety for Parker and would take a UD.
Povetkin was outweighed by nearly 35 pounds against a good chinned but average skill fighter. This would have no actual relevance against Parker who is far easier to hit and land clean shots on. Povetkin also won every round , when does Parker do that outside sparring partners? There's literally no fight to suggest Parker should be favorite here that he's fought. I saw a handful of mistakes Povetkin made but these mistakes Parker does in every fight. Parkers chances isn't out of the question both are about competitive level against one another but Povetkin clearly is more refined and proven harder hitter. Joshua runs either over.
Takam was 17 pounds heavier and just stood in front of Povetkin . He was 17 pounds lighter in his 6'1 frame and was defensively much better against Joshua BC his fight weight is about 240 not 250 plus. Had Joshua went after him early the bell doesn't save Takam in round 4 and realistically Joshua could have made a faster paced fight had he chose too. Joshua also trained for a huge 6'5 defensive fighter not a short pressure one....I'm not sure how you guys come up with some of these conclusions particularly when Takam was battered by Joshua in a one sided fight.