Povetkin´s biggest challenge is finding opponents

In boxing, it´s not always the fight that is the biggest challenge. Just ask Alexander Povetkin. The former world amateur and European champion, who also finished first at the 2004 Olympics, has had a hard time finding opponents. After ten wins in as many pro fights (8 KOs), nobody wants to cross his path any more. Former world title challengers Danny Williams and Monte Barrett refused to get in the same ring with him. "It´s been increasingly difficult to find opponents for Alexander," said Sauerland matchmaker Hagen Doering. "We have checked with so many heavyweights but nobody seems to be interested. It looks as if the name Povetkin is already feared around the world."

Povetkin saw off experienced rivals Imamu Mayfield, Ed Mahone, Livan Castillo and Friday Ahunanya in his last four bouts. ESPN most recently included the 27-year-old Russian in their list of "future stars". Doering holds a similar view. "He´s got a golden future ahead of him," praised the matchmaker. "He´s strong, fast and tough to hit."

After a long search, Sauerland Event were eventually able to name a new opponent: David Bostice (37-11, 15 KOs). The 34-year-old American will come face-to-face with Povetkin in Rostock on March 3. "Povetkin is up-and-coming," Doering warned. "There is no stopping him."