Alexander Povetkin Can End Deontay Wilder Early, Says Trainer

By Vadim Pushkin

Alexander Zimin, the former trainer of Olympic gold medal winner Alexander Povetkin (30-1, 22 KOs), believes his former pupil will have few issues when he challenges WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (36-0, 35KOs) in a mandatory fight.

Their fight is going to take place on May 21 in Moscow, Russia. The exact venue has yet to be announced.

Povetkin, a former WBA world champion, will go into his biggest opportunity since losing a twelve round unanimous decision to Wladimir Klitschko in 2013. He went down several times in the contest, but Klitschko was unable to put him away.

Wilder last defended his title in January at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. He knocked out Artur Szpilka in nine rounds. Povetkin traveled to America and sat ringside to carefully observed the fight.

Zimin says Povetkin is now a different fighter since the loss to Klitschko. He's won his last four contests, including a stoppage win over former world title challenger Mariusz Wach last November in Kazan.

"Definitely, Alexander has solved all of his problems in the ring," said Zimin. "He will definitely have a good fight and win. Alexander can end it early. He has a strong, powerful punch. He is always thoroughly prepared for battle with a great desire to go out into that ring, and this desire is reinforced by skill and experience. So for Alexander, he won't have any problems"

 "The fact that the fight will take place at home - is a big plus for Alexander. He will get in better condition than his opponent. Alexander needs to study his opponent, know his weaknesses, know how to behave in the contest, what tactics to choose. These things should be a priority for Alexander."