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By James Slater: Unbeaten Russian star Alexander Povetkin made a successful first defence of his World Boxing Association (WBA) “regular” heavyweight strap last night in Finland, as the 32-year-old stopped tough and durable veteran Cedric Boswell in the 8th-round.
Now 23-0(16), Povetkin put on an impressive display against a fighter who may be old in years at age 42, but is fresh and was very hungry. Boswell, in being stopped for the second time in his long career, is now 35-2(26).
But what next for Povetkin? Seen by many fans as the best challenger for the mighty Wladimir Kitsch (or Vitali), Povetkin has said himself that he would like to take the fight at some stage in his career. However, fans hoping this may be the next fight for Povetkin are likely to be disappointed. At yesterday’s post-fight press conference in Finland, WBO cruiserweight king Marco Huck approached the podium and called Povetkin out.
Wanting to try his hand up at heavyweight, Huck, who has defended his WBO 200-pound belt eight times, said he needs “a new challenge,” and he wants Povetkin next. Povetkin seems interested in the fight, and he replied “let’s get it on.”
The match-up would prove a big hit in Europe, where both Huck and Povetkin are big names. At just over 6’1” to Povetkin’s 6’2,” Huck wouldn’t be giving too much away in height. Not an especially big heavyweight, Povetkin would not be expected to easily out-strength Huck or blast him out. Some fans may feel annoyed if Povetkin chooses to get it on with a cruiserweight when there are bigger, more legit fights out there for him against heavyweights, but I’m sure Povetkin-Huck would prove intriguing enough to attract a significant audience.
Huck can be an exciting warrior type, although he has been concentrating on his boxing skills in recent fights. A dominant cruiserweight, Huck would have to be given a good chance against Povetkin. The former Olympian did look good last night, though, appearing fast and sharp and accurate against Boswell - a fighter some good judges expected to cause the upset in Finland.
Povetkin gave credit to trainer Teddy Atlas, who, as fans know, made the decision not to let his fighter in with Wladimir Klitschko a while back. Povetkin will have to face “Dr. Steel Hammer” one day if he is ever going to be looked at as a real world champion, but it doesn’t look like being his next fight.
Now 23-0(16), Povetkin put on an impressive display against a fighter who may be old in years at age 42, but is fresh and was very hungry. Boswell, in being stopped for the second time in his long career, is now 35-2(26).
But what next for Povetkin? Seen by many fans as the best challenger for the mighty Wladimir Kitsch (or Vitali), Povetkin has said himself that he would like to take the fight at some stage in his career. However, fans hoping this may be the next fight for Povetkin are likely to be disappointed. At yesterday’s post-fight press conference in Finland, WBO cruiserweight king Marco Huck approached the podium and called Povetkin out.
Wanting to try his hand up at heavyweight, Huck, who has defended his WBO 200-pound belt eight times, said he needs “a new challenge,” and he wants Povetkin next. Povetkin seems interested in the fight, and he replied “let’s get it on.”
The match-up would prove a big hit in Europe, where both Huck and Povetkin are big names. At just over 6’1” to Povetkin’s 6’2,” Huck wouldn’t be giving too much away in height. Not an especially big heavyweight, Povetkin would not be expected to easily out-strength Huck or blast him out. Some fans may feel annoyed if Povetkin chooses to get it on with a cruiserweight when there are bigger, more legit fights out there for him against heavyweights, but I’m sure Povetkin-Huck would prove intriguing enough to attract a significant audience.
Huck can be an exciting warrior type, although he has been concentrating on his boxing skills in recent fights. A dominant cruiserweight, Huck would have to be given a good chance against Povetkin. The former Olympian did look good last night, though, appearing fast and sharp and accurate against Boswell - a fighter some good judges expected to cause the upset in Finland.
Povetkin gave credit to trainer Teddy Atlas, who, as fans know, made the decision not to let his fighter in with Wladimir Klitschko a while back. Povetkin will have to face “Dr. Steel Hammer” one day if he is ever going to be looked at as a real world champion, but it doesn’t look like being his next fight.
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