By Yuri Tarantin
In a sudden turn of events, promoter Andrei Ryabi?ski of World of Boxing - who promote Alexander Povetkin (30-1, 22 KOs) - now believes WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (36-0, 35 KOs) is going to vacate his world title to pursue another championship path.
Povetkin and Ryabinksy traveled to the United States on January 16th to watch Wilder defend his title against Artur Szpilka at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Wilder won by knockout in nine rounds.
The World Boxing Counil then ordered Wilder to make a mandatory defense against Povetkin and they gave the two sides 30 days to reach an agreement. A purse bid will take place on February 26th in Mexico City if the two sides are unable to come to terms.
On the same Barclays card, Charles Martin (23-0-1, 21 KOs) captured the vacant IBF world title with a third round stoppage of Czar Glazkov.
Ryabinski seemed to be confident of this fight coming off, but now he has serious doubts about Wilder's willingness to face Povetkin.
If the bout goes to a purse bid, Ryabinski has the necessary funds to win as displayed in 2013 when he planted $23 million to win the purse bid for Povetkin's mandatory clash with Wladimir Klitschko. The wealthy promoter brought the fight to Russia. The same scenario could happen here. Wilder has already stated that he won't travel to Russia under any circumstances.
Ryabinksi believes Wilder will vacate the title and then face Martin for the IBF strap. Wilder and Martin are both advised by Al Haymon.
"It is likely that Wilder will simply give up the WBC belt, and his handlers will quickly organize an IBF title fight with Martin. As a result, Wilder would get rid of one belt to almost immediately capture another. In this type of a situation, Alexander will fight for the vacant WBC title," Ryabinski stated.
Yuri Tarantin covers boxing for Allboxing.ru.