By James Slater: Unbeaten contender Alexander Povetkin faces former WBA heavyweight champ Ruslan Chagaev tomorrow night in Germany, in a fight that will contest the “regular” version of the WBA belt (that in reality belongs to Wladimir Klitschko) – and though it was thought the winner would then be in line for a shot at “Dr. Steel Hammer,” there is a chance tomorrow’s victor could wind up facing ageing legend Evander Holyfield first.
According to German media, the 48-year-old former four-time heavyweight king has expressed interest in facing the winner of Povetkin-Chagaev, seeing as how it will take him a step closer to achieving his goal of once again becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion. And, as slim a chance as practically any sane individual would be willing to give “The Real Deal” when it comes to realising his dream, there is a chance the former cruiserweight king would upset either Chagaev or Povetkin.
Most experts give the edge to Russia’s Povetkin tomorrow, as he is seen as the fresher, hungrier fighter. Would the Teddy Atlas-trained fighter look at a voluntary defence against Holyfield as a lucrative, winnable fight? Maybe, and maybe Holyfield would somehow manage to roll back the years and put on one last great showing; maybe even a good enough showing to convince the judges he is deserving of a win? You couldn’t entirely rule it out.
I’d definitely be inclined to give the by then 49-year-old a shot of winning against Chagaev. Maybe, if “The White Tyson” pulls it off in Erfurt, Germany in a little over 24 hours time, Evander will be as close as he’s been in years when it comes to getting his hands on a major belt?
Holyfield sure has stuck around, fighting and winning (or, in the case of his fight with Sherman “Tank” Williams, picking up a NC) sporadically. Currently 44-10-2(29), Holyfield last fought for a major belt in December of 2008. On that occasion, against then WBA boss Nikolai Valuev, Holyfield did pretty well, losing a close decision many felt he deserved to win. That fight took place in Switzerland. Maybe Evander will be bound for Europe once again, either later this year or some time next year?
No disrespect to Povetkin or Chagaev, but wouldn’t the 1990s version of “The Real Deal” have handled either guy with some ease? Can he still rise to the occasion and beat these guys today?