By Igor Lazorin, tass
The fight is now a done deal.
Heavyweight contender Christian Hammer (22-4, 12 KOs) of Germany has signed a contract for the planned fight with former world champion Alexander Povetkin (32-1, 23 KOs).
At their recent annual convention, the World Boxing Organization sanctioned Povetkin vs. Hammer as a final WBO eliminator for a world title shot at Joseph Parker.
A few days ago, the promoter for the event - RCC Boxing Promotions executive director Alexei Titov, stated the event event would take place on December 15 in Yekaterinburg.
"Unequivocally, this fight will determine the mandatory challenger for the WBO title. The winner of the fight will meet with Parker," said Erol Ceylan, the promoter of Hammer.
Hammer is currently the number one ranked fighter under the WBO, while Povetkin is ranked at six and also holds the WBO's International title.
Last month, Parker retained his world title with a close twelve round majority decision over mandatory challenger Hughie Fury.
The winner of Povetkin-Hammer would have to wait, as Parker would get the chance to make at least one or two voluntary defenses.
"We do not want a one-time fight for Povetkin. We want to make a showdown with Parker in July 2018 under the international exhibition Innoprom in Yekaterinburg. This is a big fight for Russia, for Alexander. These are the plans, the long-term perspective. Alexander deserves to become a world champion," Titov said.
2016 was the year in Povetkin's career. The boxer tested positive, twice, when he was days away from a fight and saw those opportunities fall apart. First, planned May collision with WBC champion Deontay Wilder fell out less than two weeks before the fight after Povetkin failed a drug test. Then he was set in December to fight Bermane Stiverne in a final eliminator, which also fell out after a failed test result on the morning of the fight.