by James Slater: Unbeaten heavyweight contender Alexander Povetkin steps back in the ring for the first time since his points win over “Fast” Eddie Chambers this coming July 19th. In earning the number one spot in the rankings of the IBF, thus positioning himself to one day face Wladimir Klitschko for the world title, Povetkin proved he wanted it more than Chambers did. Now, with Klitschko taking on his WBO mandatory challenger in Tony Thompson, also in July, the 15-0(11) Povetkin takes a fight so as to remain sharp..
The Russian contender will get his shot at Klitschko, assuming Thompson does not shock the odds and beat Wladimir, but he is being made to wait. Indeed, his team tried to block the Klitschko-Thompson fight. Another fight in the meantime will not hurt the 28 year old, though. For although he beat Chambers many felt it was due more to the American’s late rounds fade than Povetkin’s overall superiority. Some even asked the question, is Povetkin ready for Klitschko?
So as things have turned out, with the 28 year old facing an as yet TBA one week after Klitschko hopes to take care of “The Tiger,” the fans will get another chance to see if they think Povetkin is the real deal many think he is. No, he won’t likely face anyone too dangerous on the 19th, but the Chambers fight was back in January, and Alexander and his team knew he needed to do anything but lose his sharpness. So whoever he fights in July, even if it is no-one but a veritable creampuff, it is better than getting rusty by not fighting at all. Sitting idle and waiting for the Klitschko fight would not have been a wise move, so Povetkin laces ’em up again in the meantime.
It would have been interesting to see the unbeaten would be champion take his upcoming tune-up in America. Not having fought outside of either Germany or Russia since turning pro, many U.S fans would no doubt have liked the opportunity of seeing him fight live, as opposed to on T.V only. Instead, however, Povetkin boxes in Germany once more.
Considered by a good number of people to be the best unbeaten young heavyweight prospect out there, the Russian is certainly exciting to watch. As such, whoever he faces in July, it should be worth tuning in. Then we can get ready for Povetkin Vs. Klitschko some time late this year.