By Luke Furman
Alexander Povetkin (29-1, 21 KOs) has looked fearsome in his last few contests, with deadly knockouts of top rated contenders. His promoter Andrei Ryabinsky of Russia, says his boxer is still not ready for a second opportunity to face WBO/IBO/IBF/WBA heavyweight king Wladimir Klitschko (64-3, 53 KOs).
Klitschko and Povetkin fought each other in October 2013 in Moscow. The fight was ugly, full of fouls, and Klitschko won a twelve round unanimous decision.
Before Povetkin will be able to sit down and seriously think about his next fight, he takes on Polish giant Mariusz Wach (31-1, 17 KOs) on November 4 in Kazan. The winner will receive an immediate mandatory shot at WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.
"It's too early for this fight [with Klitschko], Alexander has yet to fully develop. Wladimir is still in very good physical condition. He's a great boxer and you have to have something special to compete with him. We want to gradually build Alexander to his level," said Ryabinsky.
The idea is that a rematch would take place in Ukraine, in the champion's backyard.
"I think that Ukrainians are our brothers. We are all Russians. It is sad that we are divided over political issues. Mr. Andrei Riabińsky wants to bring people closer together. We do not need this political background," said Povetkin.
Luke Furman covers boxing for bokser.org
