By Rick Reeno

BoxingScene.com was advised by Chris Meyer, managing director for Sauerland Event, that discussions have begun to put together a fight between WBO/IBO/IBF heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko and IBF mandatory, undefeated Alexander Povetkin. Talks were initiated last week. Meyer is hoping to reach a deal with Klitschko's management before the IBF orders both sides to take part in a purse bid.

There is a big question as to whether or not Povetkin is ready for a fighter like Klitschko. As Meyer explained the situation, it became clear that Povetkin's back is against the wall. If Povetkin takes another fight, tune-up or otherwise, he loses his title opportunity because the IBF will take away his mandatory ranking. If the IBF strips Povetkin of the ranking, there is no telling when, or if, another opportunity like this will come along.

"This mandatory is priority. Officially the negotiations started last week. We had talks scheduled for yesterday but the Klitschko side canceled them at the last moment, for reasons unknown to us. We're open for negotiations and want to get it done," Meyer said to BoxingScene.com.