I'm ready for you, Powell tells Gatlin

Asafa Powell has laid down a challenge to joint world-record-holder Justin Gatlin.

Both men have run 9.77seconds in the 100 metres this season and they were due to go head-to-head at next week’s Norwich Union Grand Prix at Crystal Palace until Gatlin pulled out injured.

Gatlin also missed the Athens Grand Prix with a leg strain, after which Powell accused the American Olympic Champion of avoiding him.

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

“A lot of people are looking forward to it. This can be one of the greatest showdowns the world has ever seen.

“We just need to make a date and do it.”

Powell ran 9.77secs for the second time in his career at Gateshead on June 4 and is convinced he can go faster.

In the wake of the Balco doping scandal that rocked athletics, Powell wants to prove the sport can be both clean and exhilarating.

“We’re trying to make this a good and fair sport, and that’s what I’m doing right now. I hope people can see that and appreciate it,” the Jamaican told Sportsweek on BBC Radio Five Live.

“A lot of athletes give the sport a bad name, and a lot of people are looking down on us now, so we just have to make them come back and show them we can run properly.

“I am sure I can go below that [9.77secs]. Whatever is humanly possible, I am sure I can do…maybe 9.68secs or 9.65secs.”

Powell is willing to forgive Dwain Chambers, who is making his comeback after serving a two-year doping ban, and believes the Brit can once again make his mark on the world stage.

“I have no problem running with Dwain. I am sure he is very sorry for what he has done,” said the Jamaican.

“Dwain was once a world junior record holder. He is not that old now and he can really come back and be a force to be reckoned with.”

Powell fears that British sprinting is not being guided in the right direction, which is why the likes of Mark Lewis-Francis have not progressed as quickly as many expected them to.

“I don’t know what is happening to them in Britain, but they have a lot of potential. Maybe they are not training properly,” said Powell.