Anthony Joshua is just the WBC title away from becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 2000, but this weekend the Brit could be one step closer.

The unified champ will face mandatory opponent Alexander Povetkin on home soil this weekend, which should mean Joshua is likely to have greater freedom in selecting his next opponent, hopefully Deontay Wilder, should he win on Saturday night.

"I can't wait to get back in the ring - the end of March feels a long time ago now," Joshua said. "Povetkin is a serious challenge that I will prepare meticulously for. He has serious pedigree and only a fool would underestimate what he brings to the table.

"It's not the height of the man, it's the fight of the man. He's fought people like me all his life. He's used to tall guys. He knows how to slip and throw punches, so I've got to make sure I give him no gaps or openings. It's not the height that's the issue - it's how willing and determined he is."

Of course, AJ would have got a decent view of Povetkin's last outing as it was on the undercard of his most recent title defence against Joseph Parker.

The Russian looked in devastating form by brutally knocking out David Price in five rounds in Cardiff.

Price, who has also sparred against Joshua in the past, will feature on this weekend's undercard too. This time he will face Sergey Kuzmin in a ten-rounder.

But when asked about AJ's upcoming battle v Povetkin, Price has warned his fellow Brit not to underestimate the power the Russian possesses.

"He [Povetkin] definitely punches hard, he's an accurate puncher," Price told Sky Sports.

"He's clever and has a good judge for distance."

Price then went on to discuss what Joshua needs to do to avoid the same fate he succumbed to.

He added: "I think Anthony Joshua is more experienced on the big stage than I am or was. I think he's got hand speed to match with Povetkin and where I haven't.

"I tried to punch with Povetkin and tried to beat him to the punch, which evidently ended with the knockout.

"I think he's just got to stay switched on and choose the right moments to let the punch go and not try and start to quickly because the longer the fights on, the more it will go into his favour."