By Vadim Psuhkin
Andrei Ryabinsky, promoter for Olympic gold medal winner and former WBA champion Alexander Povetkin (30-1, 22KOs), says the mandatory fight with WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (36-0, 35KOs) is still on track for late May.
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 over $5 million.
Prior the purse bid, the two sides were discussing the possibility of a May date in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center.
Ryabinsky, since winning the bid, is now exploring the possibility of staging the fight in Russia.
"I won the bid, and we are moving steadily. I have 14 days to make a decision on where the fight will take place," Ryabinsky said. "There are options being presented for America, and Russia. Right now everything depends on the details. Discussing any specifics is premature. I think the fight will take place in late May."
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.
