By Ian Wallwork: Cruiserweight vs heavyweight was a theme in 2011 and it looks set to carry on into the new year. First we had David Haye vs. Wladimir Klitschko, though some argue Haye is at home in the heavyweight division, and two months later Tomasz Adamek simulated fighting Wladimir’s older brother, Vitali Klitschko. Next up could be World Boxing Organization (WBO) Cruiserweight champion Marco Huck vs WBA Heavyweight belt holder Alexander Povetkin.
We last saw Huck in October when he scored a sixth round knockout over Argentinian journeyman Rogelio Omar Rossi. Since winning his WBO title in 2009 he has been a generous and active champion, taking on his mandatories and beating them all. Most his fights have been decisive, save a split decision over another cruiserweight who has moved up to heavyweight, Denis Lebedvev.
A fight with Povetkin doesn’t make a lot of sense for Huck while there are still challenges at Cruiserweight. Yoan Pablo Hernandez, Krzysztof Wlodarczyk and Guillermo Jones hold the other belts in the division and at least one must be game for a unification fight. So why Povetkin?
Maybe Huck has grown bored of Cruiserweight. We all know it isn’t a glory division, but neither is heavyweight these days. It is possible that Huck wants to become a two division world champion, and Alexander Povetkin would be his safest option. Here’s why.
The Klitschkos are too far out of Huck’s league, so they can be counted out. Below Cruiserweight, we’ve got light heavyweight, but the champions there are too good. Huck would struggle against Tavoris Cloud and ring-legend Bernard Hopkins, and Nathan Cleverley is too wrapped up chasing a unification fight with fellow champion Beibut Schumenov. This leaves only one option; Alexander Povetkin.
Povetkin is only the WBA Regular champion, a belt he won from Ruslan Chagaev after Wladimir Klitschko was upgraded to ‘Super’. It is not seen as a real belt by most fans, but it is a world title regardless. Povetkin is the weakest and least experienced champion of the heavyweight, cruiserweight and light heavyweight divisions. He is Huck’s best bet of a second world title.
So how likely is a Marco Huck – Alexander Povetkin match up? There is one obstacle straight away; Povetkin must make a mandatory defence against WBA number one contender Hasim Rahman. Despite this, a Huck – Povetkin match looks like a goer because both parties want it. BoxingScene reported a rep for Sauerland, Povetkin’s promoters, saying:
“Indeed, we do have plans for a fight between Povetkin and Huck on February 25. However, nothing has been finalised because not everyone has give their consent to this contest..in particular Marco Huck.”
We’re approaching Christmas now, so if a February fight is on the deal better be struck fast. Is this a fight the fans want to see? Is there enough in it for the fighters? The match will be made regardless, so it’s a moot point really.
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