Wladimir Klitschko Advises Povetkin To See a Psychiatrist
By Ruslan Chikov
The WBO/IBO/IBF heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko has advised Alexander Povetkin to cure his fears by meeting with Mikhail Vinogradov, a famous Russian psychiatrist. Povetkin was Klitschko's mandatory challenger since 2008, but a fight could never get finalized.
Recently both parties thought a deal was close for September 11 in Germany. A contract dispute happened and Povetkin failed to sign the contract within the regulated 15-days following the IBF's purse bid. Klitschko's time filed a complaint with the IBF and the sanctioning organization allowed them to replace Povetkin with the number two challenger, Samuel Peter.
As punishment for not signing the contract and not showing up to a press conference in Germany to announce the fight, the IBF demoted Povetkin to the number 11 position in their rankings. During a recent appearance on MK-Germany, Klitschko says it was fear that made Povetkin not sign a contract.
"I think it would be worthwhile for Povetkin to see professor Vinogradov about this type of behavior. Alexander took the first place in the rankings, but that was two years ago, and he's refused to fight. After two years, we again went to a bid. It was clear Povetkin was not ready to fight. I do not understand the strategy of Povetkin as he still wants to box, and what is his purpose in the sport... does he want to become a world champion or not? Perhaps he should be examined by professor Vinogradov," Klitschko said.
