Russian Knight eyes title shot
Published 26 March, 2009, 15:31
All four boxing world heavyweight titles currently belong to fighters from the former Soviet Union. Three are held by Ukraine's Klitchko brothers, one by Uzbekistan's Ruslan Chagaev.
But Aleksandr Povetkin, aka the Russian Knight, is looking to put Russia on that list.
Povetkin has been consumed with the thought of an IBF heavyweight title for a year. He couldn't wait to get back into the ring in December after suffering an ankle injury. Now he's back to full strength and is looking forward to his fight against American Jason Estrada.
It will take place next Saturday in Germany – the first for Estrada outside the United States.
But the title dreams haven't left the Russian Knight or his manager.
“We always stay in close contact with the Klitchko team. I know they are having some problems negotiating with David Haye and I know they are keeping a close watch on Povetkin,” says manager Vladimir Kryunov.
“I actually invited them to come and see Aleksander fight on April 4 against Jason Estrada. We will get our title shot after that and I want Wladimir Klitchko to see that my fighter is ready for him.”
Last summer Aleksandr faced another American, Taurus “The Bull” Sykes, before his title bout with Vladimir Klitchko. It ended in embarrassment for Sykes and triumph for Povetkin, who floored him in the fourth round.
The IBF heavyweight title fight was scheduled for December, but the Russian Knight sprained his ankle ligament and the shot was given to someone else.
The extra year has played into Povetkin's hands.
“You will see my condition in the ring. I feel good now, but I will feel excellent on the day of the fight. Since last year I started paying more attention to defense. That's probably one major change since last year. But you will see everything in the ring,” says Povetkin.
In the run up to the Taurus-Sykes fight, Povetkin had a couple of great sparring partners. This time around, another American stepped in to help. Leo Nolan (27 wins – 10 of them by knockout) is sure he's helped Povetkin with his jab, and as a smaller fighter, helped him with speed as well.
Povetkin's injury seems to be a thing of the past at the moment. But it certainly remains in the thoughts of the Russian boxer despite all the time and resources devoted to his readiness.
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