Povetkin Promoter: Deontay Wilder Bout May Land In Russia

By Igor Lazorin, tass

Andrei Ryabinsky, promoter for Olympic gold medal winner and former WBA champion Alexander Povetkin (30-1, 22KOs), says WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (36-0, 35KOs) could very well have to travel to Russia for his mandatory defense.

Earlier today in Miami, Florida - Ryabinsky put in a bid of over $7 million to win the promotional rights to the bout. Wilder's side, led by promoter Lou DiBella, put in $5.1 million.

The two sides were negotiating for several weeks, but last week Ryabinsky revealed that he was unable to reach a deal with promoter Lou DiBella, who was working on behalf of the Wilder side. The two sides were discussing the possibility of a May date in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center. Ryabinsky was very frustrated with the outcome and felt a purse bid was the only way to get a deal done.

"My opponents put in about $5.5 million [Editor's note: DiBella bid just over $5.1 million, as previously reported on BoxingScene.com], I submitted a little more than seven," Ryabinsky said.

"I have 14 days to decide if the fight will take place in the United States. I admit that the fight could take place in Russia. I will review all of the involved factors, including public opinion, [when deciding on the location]."

A few weeks ago, Ryabinksy believed the fight would fall apart with Wilder dumping his belt to challenge newly crowned IBF champion Charles Martin. That scenario disappeared when Martin finalized a high profile defense against Anthony Joshua on April 9th in London.

Wilder fought last month and retained his title by knocking out Artur Szpilka in the ninth round at the Barclays Center. Povetkin, who was ringside for Wilder's most recent defense, was last seen in the ring in November. He took a stay-busy fight by stopping huge Polish contender Mariusz Wach in the twelfth round. Povetkin has already started training for the bout with Wilder.