Eddie Mustafa Muhammad watched with interest as Alexander Povetkin barely survived a highly controversial split decision win in February over Marco Huck — Muhammad trains Hasim Rahman, whose No. 1 ranking with the World Boxing Association gives him a mandatory shot at the winner.
According to sources, WBA "regular" champion Alexander Povetkin (24-0, 16 KOs) is possibly going to make his mandatory defense against former WBC champion Hasim Rahman (50-7-2, 41KOs) in late May. Povetkin's manager Vladimir Hryunov has approached Sauerland Event to discuss the possibility of staging Povetkin-Rahman in Moscow. Hryunov expects a final decision, on the date and location, in the next couple of days.
Porsche Arena, Stuttgart, Germany - After such a great fight, many fans are demanding an immediate rematch. In a heavyweight war, WBA "regular" champion Alexander Povetkin (24-0, 16 KOs) retained his title with a very tough majority decision over WBO cruiserweight king Marco Huck (34-2, 25 KOs). Povetkin dominated early, but Huck returned fire in the later rounds to stagger the WBA champion several times.
Responding to news of a supposed showdown between WBA Champion Alexander Povetkin and WBO Cruiserweight Champion Marco Huck scheduled for February 25, Greg Cohen, promoter of former unified heavyweight champion and current WBA #1 contender and mandatory challenger Hasim Rahman, wishes to remind representatives of Povetkin and Huck (and anyone else who claims to be fighting Povetkin next), that Hasim Rahman will be Povetkin's next opponent.
Sources with direct knowledge of the ongoing negotiations have advised BoxingScene.com that former two-time WBC heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman (50-7-2, 41KOs) is the current frontrunner to face WBA "regular" champion Alexander Povetkin (22-0, 15KOs) in December. I've been told the discussions are going very well and a deal could be reached as early as next week. No final decision has been made on the date, but Povetkin's return is sure to land on December 3 or December 17.