By Luke Furman
The manager for unbeaten Russian heavyweight Alexander Povetkin, Vladimir Hryunov, said his boxer is in the best shape of his entire career. Povetkin (21-0, 15 KOs) returns on August 27 in Germany against former champion Ruslan Chagaev (27-1-1, 17 KOs). The vacant WBA heavyweight title will be on the line, which became possible after unified champion Wladimir Klitschko was upgraded to the status of "super champion" by the WBA.
"Alexander is in the best shape since he's been a professional. The training plan, which was developed by Teddy Atlas, has been fully implemented. There is no doubt about Alexander's physical form," Hryunov said.
Povetkin is working with sparring partners from several different countries. One of the boxers fights in a style similar to former champion John Ruiz, but Povetkin's manager would not reveal any of their names.
Luke Furman covers the boxing scene for bokser.org