Punishment at the Principality: How Povetkin vs Price stole the show
Whenever two undefeated heavyweight champions meet in the ring, boasting a 100% knockout ratio and a 75% knockout ratio respectively, the fans expect fireworks in the boxing ring. However, what unfolded in the main event at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff between Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker last night was somewhat disappointing.
The KO machine Joshua boxed at a steady pace behind a solid, controlling jab for much of the bout whilst Parker also opted for the reserved approach, maintaining his distance from the advancing Brit by utilising a sharp jab of his own and showing quicker feet than his opponent.
Also Read: Anthony Joshua beats Joseph Parker but loses perfect knockout record
On the sporadic occasions when Joshua pinned down the elusive New Zealander or Parker successfully breached the long jab of AJ and action commenced at close quarters, the overly authoritarian referee, Giuseppe Quartarone, prematurely split the fighters before either could effect significant damage.
Ultimately the contest was a tepid one that fell flat in front of a near 80000 spectators. Fortunately however, what transpired in the very same ring in the penultimate fight of the evening between Alexander Povetkin and David Price was exactly the kind of action that the thousands in attendance bought their tickets for and the millions of fight fans watching around the world had tuned in to see.
The Opening Rounds
The action commenced with an eager Price bounding from the corner and taking the centre of the ring, he looked to establish his range by pawing with his lead hand and throwing several light jabs towards the face of the smaller man.
Meanwhile Povetkin came out, light on his feet, bobbing and looking for an opening which he found a mere 20 seconds into the first round when he slipped inside a lazy jab and fired a looping right hook over the top of it which, fortunately for the six foot nine Brit, only barely made contact.
This was to set the tone for the remainder of the fight as prior to this bout the Liverpudlian had been knocked out four times in his career and it was easy to see that the hard-hitting Russian was looking to exploit this perceived fragility. The 34-year-old maintained his composure in the face of several early attacks, persevering with his jab and maintaining a tight guard whenever Povetkin threatened in close.
An early storm was weathered with little of significance, finding the target from either man, and in the final minute of round one, Price started to vary his own offence, landing a clipping left hook behind his jab and later a solid straight right.
The round was punctuated by a great exchange between the pair as Povetkin landed clubbing blows to the body before he got caught with a quick left hook, straight right combination.
The second round took a similar course to the first as a tentative Price was continually probed by an eager opponent who mixed his attacks effectively between the body and head. However, the former Olympic gold medallist was kept under control with snapping jabs, disciplined defence from Price and the occasional right hand thrown in to remind him of the danger of over-committing.
Bad Intentions on Display
Round three saw an explosive display of punching power and brutality on show which only heavyweight boxing can produce. In the opening minute of the round both men caught each other with bombs; Price was stung with an overhand right however returned with a tight right hook, left hook combo that landed on the chin of the smaller man.
Not to be deterred, however, Povetkin again found his target with another accurate right hand, and as his adversary sought to respond in kind, he caught him with a crushing left hook that sent the six foot nine pugilist crashing to the canvas.
The Merseysider banged his fists on the floor in bitter frustration and wisely took a moment on his knees to regain his composure before he made the familiar feat of dragging himself back to his feet. Price appeared clear-eyed and on steady legs as he shook his head whilst walking back to the corner before the action resumed.
Sasha jumped right back on him banging rights and lefts against the gloves of Price who held steadfast behind a solid guard. In the final minute of round three, Price showed remarkable grit and powers of recovery as he came forward and traded punches with the man who had knocked him down earlier in the round.
The crowd stirred in response to the bravery shown and encouraged their man on, these efforts were rewarded with mere seconds remaining as Price detonated a huge left hook of his own which propelled Povetkin stumbling backward into the ropes. The referee deemed this a knockdown and began a count, however, the faint sound of the bell through the waves of cheering signified the end of the round and both men walked back to their corners to a standing ovation.
A Brutal Ending
After a short breather, both fighters were back at it with more back and forth action in round four. They took in turns to throw powerful shots seemingly both sensing a knockout victory was within their grasp. The nervous energy from the crowd had apparently spilled over into the ring as neither man was able to connect with authority and land the fight ending shot they were looking for. That shot was to come in the following round.
After a frenetic opening four rounds, the two boxers walked out from their corners visibly bruised and bloodied with the inevitability of an impending knockout enshrouding the ring. Povetkin darted in and out again varying his assaults whilst Price still held his ground valiantly and snapped back with his own rangy punches.
The beginning of the end came one minute into the action in round five as the stocky Russian landed a thudding overhand right in a similar manner to the one he had thrown in the opening 20 seconds of the fight. There was a much greater purchase on this connection and Price was stunned badly, dropping his hands to down his sides as time seemed to stand still for everyone apart from one man.
Alexander Povetkin pounced on the opportunity and unleashed a pinpoint, ferocious left hook on the chin of the dazed Brit, toppling the giant heavyweight to the floor and the referee showed no hesitation in waving the fight off.
A bloodied David Price remained seated on the canvas for several minutes, surrounded by his team and medical staff to ensure his safety after such a savage knockout. Whilst he will likely be feeling distraught today after missing out on a great opportunity to propel himself towards world title fights, solace should be taken from the display of courage shown in the ring.
Alexander Povetkin, who has often stoked the ire of boxing fans in recent times with failed drug tests scuppering fights against Deontay Wilder and Bermane Stiverne, will no doubt be jubilant today after putting himself in contention for a shot at Anthony Joshua somewhere down the line.
Both combatants should rightly take the plaudits from boxing fans and sports writers today after producing a brilliant display of heavyweight action in what was an ultimately underwhelming night of boxing.