By World Boxing Council
For WBC heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder - the No. 1 ranked mandatory challenger is Alexander Povetkin of Russia, who also holds the WBC Silver title, and is scheduled to fight Mariusz Wach tonight in Kazan, Russia.
A representative for Povetkin came over to the WBC's ongoing convention in China and told the assembly today that Povetkin will not be ready for his mandatory title challenge in January, when it’s due.
But if he wins tonight, Povetkin will be ready in April or May. If Povetkin loses tonight, the WBC will address the mandatory situation.
A voluntary title defense was approved for Wilder on January 16.
Also, WBC cruiserweight world champion Grigory Drozd of Russia is scheduled to make his mandatory title defense against No. 1 ranked Ilunga Makabu of Congo in March.
