By Alexey Sukachev
It looks like May 22 will be the date for an important heavyweight match-up between WBC #1 rated Alexander Povetkin (28-1, 20 KOs) and upset-minded stocku Cuban Ismaikel "Mike" Perez (21-1-1, 13 KOs). As the latter is ranked #2 by the WBC, the fight appears to be a final eliminator for a chance to fight the reigning champion Deontay Wilder (33-0, 32 KOs).
"We are in deep negotiations with Team Povetkin regarding a fight in Moscow", said Perez's manager Patrick Thomas to TASS. "May 22 is a tentative date for the collision. I assume we shall have a final clarification by the end of the week".
WBC #2 Perez is also rated #14 by the IBF and coming off a stoppage win over a well-known career journeyman Darnell Wilson. He is best known for his tragic win over Magomed Abdusalamov and also for a pair of disputed decisions in 2014. Povetkin (WBA #3, IBF #8 and WBO #9) is coming off a couple of back-to-back stoppage wins over Carlos Takam (whom Perez fought to a draw) and Manuel Charr.