By Andrey Krikunov
The manager of the official IBF heavyweight title contender Alexander Povetkin, Wladimir Hryunov, assumes that WBO/IBO/IBF champion Wladimir Klitschko may have a voluntary defense before the fight with the Russian. At the same time, it’s possible the Povetkin-Klitschko bout will take place in Moscow.
“In this situation we can’t choose, as Wladimir Klitschko is the champion, - says Hryunov to AllBoxing.ru. – Legally Klitschko has a right for another voluntary defense, and it will be his call, he can choose, for example, David Haye. It’s up to Klitschko to decide. But we won’t sit waiting for the champion’s decision," Hryunov said.
"In three weeks we’ll go to the U.S. where Povetkin will continue his training under Teddy Atlas. If an offer from Klitschko arrives, we’ll start working on the organization of the bout. I’ve already discussed the possibility of making Povetkin-Klitschko bout happen in Moscow. But everything depends on the official issues – as soon as our promoters and lawyers come to an agreement, the bout will be possible."
Wladimir Hryunov thinks that under Teddy Atlas Povetkin can achieve the same progress as Wladimir Klitschko under Emanuel Steward.
“For the last 5 years the boxing style of Klitschko has often been criticized”, - says Hryunov. – “But I can’t agree with the critics and have to give credit to Klitschko’s trainer Emanuel Steward. I have no doubts that the path Povetkin took with Atlas will bring the same results and will take Alexander to the same level of physical, tactical and champion readiness as Wladimir Klitschko. It’s too early to say how long it will take, but we’re sure in the result. I think the Atlas and Povetkin union is the union of wise teacher and grateful pupil”.
