Wilder-Povetkin Eyed For April/May By Ryabinsky

By Vadim Pushkin

The negotiations have already begun, but wealthy Russian businessman and promoter, Andrei Ryabinsky, is looking to stage Deontay Wilder (35-0, 34KOs) vs. Alexander Povetkin (30-1, 22KOs) on a date in April or May.

There is a possibility that Wilder-Povetkin will go to a purse bid, where two of the biggest financial players will match their wallets. Wilder is managed by powerful adviser Al Haymon. Povetkin is the mandatory challenger to Wilder's WBC world heavyweight title.

Wilder is defending his title against Polish contender Artur Szpilka on January 16th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Povetkin, who fought last month with a knockout win over Mariusz Wach, is not going to fight again until the fight with Wilder goes through.

If Ryabinsky wins the purse bid, the fight willl head to Russia. Haymon and Wilder's team are looking to have the bout happen in the United States. Ryabinsky has no problem with Povetkin traveling over to America if the right deal can be worked out before a purse bid takes place.

Povetkin has stopped his last four opponents since suffering a twelve round unanimous decision to Wladimir Klitschko in October of 2013.