By Hilmar Rojas

The World Boxing Association has granted special permission to super heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko to make a volunarty defense, likely on April 6th, before his mandatory with "regular" champion Alexander Povetkin. Permission is granted under the condition of receiving a signed contract for a fight between Klitschko and Povetkin by the deadline of February 28. If a deal is reached, the battle should be set no later than July 31. If they don't reach a deal, then Klitschko vs. Povetkin will head to a purse bid on March 18.

The purse bid will see a split of 75% for Klitschko and 25% for Povetkin 25%. In the event Klitschko loses in April, then Povetkin will see an even 50-50 split with the new champion.