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Current IBF mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin (17-0, 12 KOs) scored a hard-fought ten-round unanimous decision over Jason Estrada (15-2, 3 KOs) on Saturday night at the Burg-Wächter Castello in Düsseldorf, Germany. Next up could be a fight for the European title between Povetkin and Universum heavyweight Alexander Dimitrenko (29-0, 19 KOs). A purse bid for this battle will be held on April 21. The winner will be named the double mandatory challenger for WBO/IBF/IBO champion Wladimir Klitschko (52-3, 46 KOs).
What can you say about the performance of Povetkin?
“Povetkin didn’t impress me in that fight. He didn’t have a good fight. Many others see it the same way as I do.“
What wasn’t good about it?
“It wasn’t on a world class level. He still has to train much more if he wants to fight for the world title. He had problems from the very beginning although his opponent was a no-name fighter. When Estrada got tired by the end Povetkin still couldn’t knock him out. That has surprised me. His opponent was much smaller than him and I believe if he wants to fight against Wladimir Klitschko he should face taller fighters like me.“
The purse bid for the Euro title clash is on April 21?
“Yes, that’s correct. But I’m hoping that he won’t avoid me and fight other opponents in order to challenge Wladimir in a world title fight. The EBU has made this decision for the fight. Povetkin provoked Klitschko verbally but he has to prove his quality inside the ring. He has this chance when he fights me I’m ready. My trainer Fritz Sdunek and I have taken a close look into the fight.“
What can you say about the performance of Povetkin?
“Povetkin didn’t impress me in that fight. He didn’t have a good fight. Many others see it the same way as I do.“
What wasn’t good about it?
“It wasn’t on a world class level. He still has to train much more if he wants to fight for the world title. He had problems from the very beginning although his opponent was a no-name fighter. When Estrada got tired by the end Povetkin still couldn’t knock him out. That has surprised me. His opponent was much smaller than him and I believe if he wants to fight against Wladimir Klitschko he should face taller fighters like me.“
The purse bid for the Euro title clash is on April 21?
“Yes, that’s correct. But I’m hoping that he won’t avoid me and fight other opponents in order to challenge Wladimir in a world title fight. The EBU has made this decision for the fight. Povetkin provoked Klitschko verbally but he has to prove his quality inside the ring. He has this chance when he fights me I’m ready. My trainer Fritz Sdunek and I have taken a close look into the fight.“
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