Povetkin dominated the first 5 rounds at 39 and probably 85% of his ability. Povetkin 2013-2016 surely wins by KO against Joshua.
Povetkin I'd say. Smaller, quicker fighter with power. Prime Povetkin would give everyone around now problems, even Usyk IMO. Prime Fury would probably comfortably beat Prime Pov though.
He didn't dominate I think that's unfair. He was winning though, I think I had the fight 3-2 Pov after 5 rounds, and he busted AJ's nose early for good measure. The trouble is, confident AJ can utilise a lot of physical advantages, in particular the power and the range, which would be difficult for Povetkin to overcome over 12. His power in particular means that even when losing, like when they fought, he could hurt and jump-on Pov to get him out of there. I haven't seen enough of a young pov to judge his chin, if there's evidence it was previously rock-solid maybe I'd change my mind.
Dominate ? No. Nicking the rounds? yes. But that is because Joshua was working to a gameplan which was to break Povetkin down round by round, and it worked. To win those early rounds , Povetkin expended a lot of energy and took a lot of stiff jabs to the gut and chest. He lost something every time he went back to his corner while AJ stayed the same. Povetkin was being broken down and setup for the knockout.
This is the only fantasy fight that Joshua has won: the 2017 Klitschko rematch in Las Vegas https://www.boxingforum24.com/threads/joshua-vs-klitschko-2-2017.711597/ 41 year old final fight Wlad did a hell of a lot better against a less experienced but more confident and hungry version of Joshua than 39 year old three good fights left Povetkin did.
Another Joshua thread, say it ain’t so! @Thunderstorm - I hope you’re getting paid for this nuthuggery
