Alexander Povetkin has welcomed a fight against Anthony Joshua and could pursue a mandatory title shot at Britain's world heavyweight champion in 2018.

The Russian faces Christian Hammer in his home country next Friday, which could be classified as a final eliminator for Joshua's WBA 'super' title.

Povetkin can also target WBO champion Joseph Parker as victory would boost his ranking with that governing body, but admits he wants to share the ring with Joshua in the near future.

Asked if he will earn a world title shot in his next fight, Povetkin told Sky Sports: "I hope so."

Discussing Joshua, he added: "I want to fight the best in the world, and Anthony Joshua is by far one of the best heavyweights in the world.

"I always go into the ring with confidence to win."

Promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that Joshua could be ordered to face Povetkin and has already discussed this possibility with the 38-year-old's promotional team.

"Alexander Povetkin is fighting Christian Hammer which could be the final eliminator to be Joshua's mandatory," said Hearn, who is due to hold talks with WBA president Gilberto Mendoza this month.

"We have spoken about Joshua vs Povetkin, and the likelihood of that.

"We have a really good relationship with World of Boxing, who are his promoters.

"They have a situation where they can fight a final eliminator to be the mandatory for Joshua, or for the WBO, so they are making that decision now."

Povetkin has suffered just one defeat in 33 fights, a points loss to Wladimir Klitschko in 2013, and is refusing to look too far ahead at a potential fight with Joshua.

"Now I have the closest fight with Chris Hammer and I'm concentrating on the next fight," he said.

"For any fight, it will not be easy. In the heavyweight division, one blow can solve everything. I'm tuned into battle.”

Sky sport