Powell willing for showdown with joint record holder Gatlin

ASAFA POWELL says he is ready to take on Justin Gatlin — whenever and wherever.

The pair were due to go head-to-head in the 100m at the London Grand Prix in Crystal Palace on 28 July.

However, the American pulled out with a leg injury and the planned showdown between the joint world record holders has now been put on hold — yet again.

“It’s getting a little out of hand,” Powell, 23, told BBC Five Live Sport.

“I’d like to get it over and done with and anytime he’s ready, I’m waiting.”

Powell said he felt Gatlin was avoiding him after his rival withdrew from the IAAF Super Grand Prix in Athens.

And he is now growing frustrated by a rivalry which is patently lacking in direct competition.

“Since I’ve been in Europe I’ve been hearing a bunch of different stories and I don’t know which one to believe,” Powell added.

“I don’t know what has been discussed, but all I know is that I’m ready to run whenever.

“A lot of people are looking forward to it and this can be one of the greatest showdowns the world has ever seen so we just need to make a date and do it.”

The Crystal Palace meeting would have been their first race against each other since Gatlin, 24, equalled the world-best mark of 9.77 seconds in May.