Friday 2 February 2018 17:05, UK
Alexander Povetkin can send out a warning to Anthony Joshua when he faces David Price on the same Sky Sports Box Office bill at the Principality Stadium.
The Russian is the WBA's mandatory challenger and is a potential future opponent for Joshua, who puts his WBA 'super' and IBF heavyweight belts on the line in a unification clash with WBO title holder Joseph Parker in Cardiff on March 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
But Price still hopes to force his way into title contention and welcomed the opportunity to battle Povetkin on another hugely significant night for British boxing.
"I'm very excited to be fighting on this huge show," said Povetkin. "I expect to put on a great performance and then go on to fight the Joshua-Parker winner later this year."
Price, who returned to action with a points win in December, said: "It is a massive, massive chance for me and it has come from nowhere. I wasn't expecting an opportunity like this to appear so it was a no-brainer.
"I have never found myself in this position where I have been the big underdog and I have everything to gain. I will go in there completely free of any pressure and I think people will see the best of me for that very reason.
It is going to be the hardest fight of my life but something is telling me it is going to be my night.
"Make no mistake, I am coming to win. At first, I was just grateful for the opportunity but now in my mind I have to win this fight. There is plenty to gain and too much upside for me not to win this fight - it could be life changing. I am desperate to win this fight and I will do everything in my power to do so.
"I know it will be a hard fight, anything can happen in a fight and I may have to get off the floor to win. It is going to be the hardest fight of my life but something is telling me it is going to be my night.
"Sparring will be key for me. I am going to have to take myself out of my comfort zone when it comes to sparring for this fight. I need to bring in world-class sparring partners who will test me every day. We will go away to Germany for some sparring, we haven't got any names yet but we are having a look."
Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing, said: "It's another really exciting heavyweight clash in such a golden time for British boxing.
"We welcome Alexander Povetkin to these shores for his first experience of a fantastic big fight atmosphere in Britain, but our very own David Price packs a serious punch and will be eager to spring a major upset.
"It cannot fail to be thrilling and this chief support bout will set the scene for Anthony Joshua's momentous unification clash against Joseph Parker."
In the main event, Joshua can take a sizeable step towards becoming the undisputed world heavyweight champion if he defeats Parker, a fellow unbeaten title holder with dangerous knockout power.
Deontay Wilder, who holds the remaining WBC belt, will defend his title against Luis Ortiz on March 3, live on Sky Sports, and has agreed to become part of our Sky Sports Box Office team in Wales.
Watch the Anthony Joshua vs Joseph Parker world heavyweight title unification fight, from Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on March 31, live and exclusive on Sky Sports Box Office.
