IBF Prez: No Issue With Sanctioning a Joshua vs. Povetkin Fight

By Igor Lazorin, tass

Olympic gold medal winner Alexander Povetkin has every opportunity to return to the top of the heavyweight division after doping scandals and accusations.

It was announced on Friday that Povetkin finalized a deal to fight with David Price as part of the undercard to the WBA, WBO, IBF, IBO unification between undefeated world champions Anthony Joshua (20-0, 20 KOs) and Joseph Parker (24-0, 18 KOs).

The heavyweight doubleheader is taking place on Sky Sports Box Office, on March 31 at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

Povetkin is the WBA's mandatory challenger to Joshua's title.

If they both win their upcoming fights, there is a good possibility that they will face each other in the summer.

International Boxing Federation (IBF) President Daryl Peoples has no problem with sanctioning that fight.

In 2016, Povetkin saw two scheduled fights fall apart - against WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder and a final eliminator with Bermane Stiverne - after failing pre-fight drug tests.

"I'm a real Povetkin fan," said Peoples.

"Maybe there was something wrong before, but he's redeemed himself [by taking part in WBC, WBA drug testing programs] and he's once again boxing at the highest level. Of course, Povetkin is one of the top heavyweight boxers, and he has everything to return to the top. Maybe he made some bad decisions before, but now everything is fine."

In December, Povetkin defeated Christian Hammer by unanimous decision in a fight for the international WBO and WBA titles. Based on that win, the Russian boxer became the mandatory challenger to Joshua's title. In total, the 38-year-old Russian veteran has a record of 33 wins (23 by KO) and one defeat.

Price last came to the ring on December 2 with a quick decision win. In total, the 34-year-old Briton has a record of 26 fights, in which he won 22 wins (18 by knockout) and suffered four defeats. Price is also a bronze medalist of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.