DAVID PRICE claimed Alexander Povetkin should not be underestimated as the Russian gears up to challenge Anthony Joshua for his world heavyweight titles.

Povetkin will challenge for Joshua’s WBA, IBF and WBO world titles on Saturday (September 22). Price also competes on the bill, against Russian Sergey Kuzmin.

Price knows all about Joshua and Povetkin, as the Liverpudlian has shared the ring with both of the main-eventers.

Joshua and Price had spent a number of rounds sparring each other in the past, while Povetkin most recently defeated Price back in March with a brutal fifth round stoppage, having bounced back from a third round count himself.

However, Price believes the fight could come down to youth in the latter stages of the bout, but warned the Russian puncher cannot be overlooked.

“It will be an intriguing fight for the first six rounds,” Price claimed.

“I think Joshua has to be switched on from the start and use his levers and length and use his good footwork.

“Povetkin is going to be dangerous he has good feet himself, but I think the second half of the fight the younger man will take over and win by stoppage.

“Povetkin is very tough, you only have to look at the Klitschko fight to see he refused to give in. He kept getting up off the floor, he recovered from the shots I landed and he shouldn’t be underestimated.”

Anthony Joshua

Price will take on Povetkin’s countrymen Kuzmin, a former European amateur champion who holds an amateur win over current Commonwealth champion Joe Joyce.