By Ruslan Chikov
WBO/IBO/WBA/IBF heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (56-3, 49KOs) doesn't expect any television dispute with a mandatory fight against WBA "regular" champ Alexander Povetkin. They were scheduled to fight twice and twice the fight fell apart. Once Povetkin was injured in 2008 and in 2010 Povetkin withdrew from another scheduled date, per the advice of his trainer Teddy Atlas. The two boxers are under contract with rival German television networks.
"Twice I gave Alexander the opportunity to stage this contest. I understand everything - 'he's not ready, or confident in his abilities.' I remain ready to fight him. But in this matter it is not Alexander, but the opinion of his coach which doesn't coincide with the opinion of his promoter. The fight will definitely be broadcast on RTL. I'm not going to box on ARD. I have no contract with them. I have a contract with RTL. [Povetkin's TV contract] is not my problem. Who is the champion here?," Klitschko told Alexander Pavlov.
Klitschko defends against Jean Marc Mormeck on March 3, while Povetkin may return on February 25th against cruiserweight king Marco Huck.