Champion WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua does not want to fight with Russian Alexander Povetkin in the near battle.

Povetkin became a mandatory contender for the fight with the absolute champion, who is a Briton.

"I'm not interested in Povetkin now - I want to fight Wilder.

On the other hand, I do not want to get my belt. I hope the mandatory defense against Povetkin will be moved to the second half of 2018, "- said the Briton.

AJ admitted that he is focused only on Wilder, who constantly teases him, saying that he avoids the fight.

"We will offer his team cool fighting conditions. You can not doubt: they will accept them, "added Joshua.

Last week, the WBA sanctioned the title defense against Joshua Povetkin. The parties had 30 days to negotiate.