By Ruslan Chikov
The coach for the official IBF challenger Alexander Povetkin, says the undefeated Russian fighter is ready for his shot at IBF/IBO/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko. Coach Teddy Atlas denies prior comments that Povetkin is not ready to fight Klitschko. The IBF has given both fighters until April 26 to reach an agreement before a purse bid is ordered.
Atlas does say he would like his fighter to get more fights to gain experience but if the Klitschko fight is made right now, Povetkin will be ready to win the crown. He doesn't pay attention to the words of Klitschko, who said Povetkin will avoid the fight.
"I do not pay attention to what Klitschko says because I don't care what he says. My concern is what I do, and how well I do it and to work with my fighter in a responsible manner. I am absolutely convinced with Sasha's abilities and talents," Atlas told Russian reporter Alexander Pavlov.
"Yes, I did say if I had more time to prepare for a fight with Klitschko, I wouldn't pass it up. But this absolutely does not mean that I think Povetkin is not ready. My words are not inconsistent when it comes to my responsibility to improve my fighter."
