By Igor Lazorin, tass

Former four division world champion Roy Jones Jr., who obtained Russian citizenship last year, is pleased that his countryman Alexander Povetkin is back in the mix for the heavyweight crown.

The World Boxing Council ordered Povetkin and Bermane 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 torn biceps muscle in his July knockout of Chris Arreola.

Wilder had been due to take on Povetkin in Russia in May before the challenger failed a drug test for newly banned substance meldonium and the fight was cancelled. After a long investigation by the WBC, the sanctioning body cleared Povetkin of any intentional wrongdoing.

According to Andrey Ryabinsky, who promotes Povetkin, the ongoing negotiations with Don King, for the mandatory fight with Bermane Stiverne - are extremely difficult and a purse bid is likely.

Jones believes Povetkin will fully recover from the recent controversy.

"The situation with the fight between Wilder and Povetkin was quite complicated and it lasted a long time," said Jones. "I do not know all of the details, but I'm sure that it won't have an impact on either boxer. In any case, I think Povetkin will recover after this."

Ryabinsky is looking to have Povetkin vs. Stiverne in the United States.

"I have nothing against holding the fight in Russia, but it would probably better to take place in the United States. The negotiations are tough and extremely difficult, therefore, most likely, we will head to a bid," Ryabinsky said.

While Ryabinsky is looking to stage the fight in the United States, King is has suggested paying homage to Muhammad Ali by staging Povetkin vs. Stiverne in The Democratic Republic of Congo or the Philippines.

The WBC has said that the negotiation window for Povetkin v Stiverne opened on August 17, and if no deal is made by September 16 a purse bid will be conducted.