By James Slater: There seems to have been a change of plan as far as who new “regular” WBA heavyweight champ Alexander Povetkin will make his first defence against. Recently it was reported how a Povetkin-Evander Holyfield clash was “all but done” for Switzerland in December. Then former champ Hasim Rahman was placed as the WBA’s #1 contender and “Rock” looked to be in the frame for the year’s final month..
But now, as reported by Ringtv.com, another veteran in once-beaten 42-year-old Cedric Boswell is “likely” to challenge the undefeated Povetkin, on December 3rd in Helsinki, Finland.
This is the word according to “sources familiar with the negotiations of Povetkin’s promoter, Sauerland Promotions.”
Reportedly, fights between Povetkin and Holyfield and Rahman are “on the table for 2012,” according to the source who spoke with Ring.
“As soon as the mandatory is due, then they’ll deal with that fight, probably in March,” the source said. “Holyfield’s been discussed, depending on what the mandatory situation is with Rahman at that time.”
So, begging the pardon of Boswell, Holyfield and Rahman, Povetkin looks set to get busy defending his strap against a bunch of old guys. Boswell, however, may be the toughest, freshest guy of the three ageing contenders.
“The Boz” has been around for a heck of a long time, patiently plying his trade, waiting for his big chance. Back in 2003, when he ran into the huge Jameel McCline, Boswell’s progress through the ranks took a major backward step, as he was TKO’d in the 10th round in Vegas. Since then, though, (and after taking two-and-half years off) Boswell, 35-1(26) has won fourteen fights in a row. Some decent fighters have been brushed aside by Boswell during this time.
Unbeaten and highly touted Roman Greenberg, then 27-0, was crushed inside two-rounds back in 2008, and more recently, this year in fact, Oliver McCall and the sometimes-dangerous Kertson Manswell were both widely out-pointed. A tough nut with proven skills, Boswell is a more than capable fighter, even if he doesn’t have the flashiest, most exciting style in the world. A softly-spoken hard worker who has craved his shot at the big time for years, the 6’3,” approx 230-pounder will be hugely up for this shot.
But has it come too late in the Detroit-born fighter’s career?
Not having taken much punishment during a pro career that began way back in 1994 (the McCline stoppage loss aside), Boswell cannot be judged alongside a number of other 40-somethings fighting today. Boswell is relatively fresh, he is durable and he has good all-round skills. In all honestly, I could see the “regular” WBA belt changing hands on Dec. 3rd. Povetkin, in my opinion, is unlikely to halt Boswell, but the challenger, if he comes in and fights his usual fight, may well hurt the champ with his underrated power.
That said, I think a distance fight is likely. I just have a feeling Boswell, having been made to wait so long for a crack at a “world” title, will want it more than Povetkin.