Powell pumped up for Doha

Former world 100m record holder Asafa Powell has declared himself fit ahead of Friday's Diamond League clash against American sprinter Justin Gatlin in Doha, Qatar.

Concerns were raised about Powell's fitness after the sprinter withdrew from Jamaica's World Relays team last weekend.

The 34-year-old Powell was also unavailable for Jamaica's team to this week's Penn Relays.

However, Powell told Star Sports that he withdrew from the World Relays because he needed time to rest his body.

"I was just being cautious because I have been training really good and I had a really long week in training and my legs were a bit tired and so I didn't wanted to go risk and injuries," said Powell.

Along with Gatlin, Powell will face fierce competition from 22-year-old sprint sensation Andre de Grasse of Canada, who claimed 200m silver and 100m bronze at Rio 2016, as well as St Kitts and Nevis's Kim Collins, and Qatar's Asian record-holder, Femi Ogunode.

Powell added that he is aiming to post a fast time in Doha.

"Next week, I will be in Doha for the first Diamond League and so I should be in good shape for that one," said Powell, who has personal time of 9.72 in the 100m.

"My main aim is to just go out there and post a good time and see it I can finish in front," he said.

Powell also stated that he has been working very hard in training this season because he focus on winning a medal at this year's IAAF World Championships, which will be held in London in August.

"This is a World Championships year and I want to be on the podium and so this is aim this season," said Powell who is coached by his older brother Donovan.