By Luke Furman, Alexander Pavlov
Trainer Alexander Zimin, who worked with Alexander Povetkin (29-1, 21 KOs), is very confident that of the Russian fighter's ability to unseat WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (33-0, 32 KOs).
Povetkin is the mandatory challenger to Wilder after last Friday's 91-second destruction of top Cuban contender Mike Perez (21-2-1, 13 KOs).
Wilder defends his title next month against challenger Eric Molina in Alabama. After that voluntary defense, the WBC will likely order the mandatory fight with Povetkin.
"Alexander will decisively beat Wilder and he will do it in style. [Povetkin] has extensive experience, he comes from a great school of boxing, he is smart and will make the best of the opportunity," Zimin told Sportbox.
Some experts were shocked with Povetkin's quick win over Perez. Zimin was not.
"It's no surprise that Alexander go the quick victory. He can easily fight with opponents from the US or Cuban schools by presenting a conventional boxing style. Perez was made for him because he comes forward. The biggest problem for Alexander are boxers who run around the ring. With all due respect to Perez - he is no competition for Povetkin," Zimin said.
Luke Furman covers boxing for bokser.org