Sauerland: Klitschko-Povetkin is Likely in Early 2013

By Alexander Pavlov

A fight between Wladimir Klitschko (50-7-2, 41KOs) and Alexander Povetkin is possible for early 2013, says Povetkin's promoter Kalle Sauerland of Sauerland Event.  Everything depends on Povetkin (24-0, 16KOs) defeating former two-time WBC champion Hasim Rahman on Saptember 29th in Hamburg, Germany. Klitschko vs. Povetkin was scheduled twice in the past and both times the fight fell through. But, Sauerland is confident the the fight will indeed happen in the next few months.

Povetkin is the WBA's regular champion at heavyweight, while Klitschko is the WBA's "super champion." The WBA, says Sauerland, will order the two boxers to face each other in the coming months and he expects everything to come together in the first quarter of 2013.

"Povetkin has beaten the best fighters in the world, except for Klitschko. The organization of this fight is only a matter of time. At the beginning of next year, a mandatory title fight between Klitschko and Povetkin should be held. But we also know that Rahman is a good boxer, with a strong punch. We know that it is very dangerous, but Povetkin became the world champion for a reason, as he became the champion of Europe and the world champion as an amateur and winner of the Olympic Games. During his career, Alexander has beaten many boxers. We are convinced that he will have a great fight against Rahman, and then move on to meet with Wladimir Klitschko," Sauerland said. 

Alexander Pavlov covers boxing for Sportbox.ru