By Yuri Tarantin

Former heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin (26-1, 18KOs) is being pursued by Russian businessman and promoter Andrei Ryabinsky. Povetkin's promotional contract with Sauerland Event expired on December 31. The Olympic gold medal winner was last seen in action on October 5th in Moscow, when he lost a twelve round unanimous decision to WBO/IBO/WBA/IBF heavyweight king Wladimir Klitschko.

"We're not going to force Alexander to do something. If he wants to sign a contract with us, he will sign it. If you do not want to, he won't sign it. In any case, our personal relationship is good. That will only change the business relationship. After [Russia's] Christmas, we are going to discuss this subject with Alexander. I don't want to push things, there is no need to," Ryabinsky said.

But the Russian promoter is not alone. Sauerland is also going to speak with Povetkin about extending their business relationship with a new promotional deal. With Vitali Klitschko vacating his WBC championship, the stage is wide open for Sauerland to position him for a shot at the green belt in the near future.

"It is true that his contract ran out on December 31, but we have meetings scheduled with him and his immediate team after the Russian holiday season," Sauerland's General Manager, Chris Meyer, told BoxingScene.com.

Yuri Tarantin covers boxing for Allboxing.ru