By Igor Lazorin, tass
World of Boxing CEO Andrey Ryabinsky has confirmed that the contracts have been signed for the WBC final eliminator between former world champions Alexander Povetkin and Bermane Stiverne. The World Boxing Council's interim-world title will be at stake.
Ryabinsky outbid Don King to secure the promotional rights, with a big bid of $3.16 million. The Russian businessman is going to stage the fight on December 17th in Yekaterinburg.
A percentage of the bid money will be placed in a fund, while the boxers will get an even 50-50 split, with each boxer receiving $1.4 million for the contest.
The World Boxing Council ordered Povetkin and Stiverne to face each other to establish a mandatory challenger to WBC heavyweight king Deontay Wilder, who is recovering from injuries that were suffered in his last fight. Wilder suffered a broken hand and a torn biceps muscle in his July knockout of Chris Arreola.
Povetkin was initially scheduled to face Wilder in May. The fight fell out when Povetkin tested positive for banned substance meldonium. The WBC completed an investigation and decided not to apply a suspension or fine on Povetkin. There is however an ongoing legal battle over the canceled event, with Wilder and his handlers filing a case against Povetkin and his promoter seeking damages for breach of contract. There is also a breach of contract counter-suit, with Ryabinsky and Povetkin going after Wilder and his team.
Stiverne is the only fighter to last the twelve round distance with Wilder, who knocked out 36 of his 37 opponents. Wilder captured the WBC title from Stiverne in January of 2015 in a mandatory fight in Las Vegas.
Stiverne has been inactive since last November, when he got off the floor to win a decision over Derric Rossy. Povetkin has also been inactive since last November, when he stopped Mariusz Wach in the twelfth and final round.
