Anthony Joshua releases behind-the-scenes video of Wembley bout against Alexander Povetkin

Anthony Joshua has released a compelling behind-the-scenes video which reveals his challenging preparation the fight with Alexander Povetkin in September 2018.

Joshua posted the video titled ‘The Life Is Chose And I Live For It’ on his YouTube channel on Sunday, including footage of the boxer fighting flu, playing football and hitting the pads with trainer Robert McCracken. 

‘This has been a 10-year project. It’s still not the finished article, because where we’re trying to go is the unknown and see how far we can take it. We’re trying to conquer new territory now,’ said Joshua.

Anthony has released a compelling behind-the-scenes video on his YouTube channel

Joshua struggled with the flu in the lead up to his Wembley bout with Alexander Povetkin

‘I had my pre-fight nap and normally I wake up feeling 10 (out of) 10. This time I woke up feeling seven (out of) 10’ added Joshua, who was fighting the flu in the build up to the Povetkin bout.

‘I tried to sleep on my way to the arena, and I had this different aura about me this training week where I just felt like I needed to be left alone, because I was in my own thoughts.’

The video also shows former five-weight world champion Sugar Ray Leonard interviewing the Brit in the Wembley dressing room before the fight.   

Joshua spends time with friends in the lead up to the fight with fellow Olympian Povetkin

The heavyweight champion jokes around in the kitchen with members of his entourage 

The then-28-year-old’s anxiety is evident in the build-up to the fight, and Joshua looks liberated after stopping the Russian in the seventh round. 

‘All I thought to myself was “What happens if I lose?”‘ 

‘The worst feeling. I’m ill, my back, my hip, my elbow. I was thinking “What are these signs?” and “Should I have taken this fight?”‘

‘If I can get through this fight and beat someone at my worst, it shows I’ve got what it takes to be on top.’

Joshua will defend his IBO, IBF, WBO and WBA titles against undefeated Brooklynite Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller at Madison Square Garden on July 1.