Russian boxer Aleksandr Povetkin says he is nearing peak condition ahead of this month’s showdown with Taurus Sykes – a bout which will give the winner a shot at the world heavyweight title.

The ‘Russian Knight’ Povetkin faces the ‘Bull’ from New York on July 19.

Victory would set up the chance to take the world heavyweight title currently held by Ukraine’s Wladimir Klitschko.

Povetkin has become a living legend to countless Russian fight fans. But will he live up to their expectations come July 19? He knows that if he slips-up, his IBF title dreams would be seriously damaged.

“I feel normal, getting into the rhythm. I think I'll be in top form on the day of the fight. I still get tired easily, but I'll get over it. It wouldn't be good if I was in top form today,” he said.

Most boxers can only dream of having the kind of professional support enjoyed by Povetkin. His sparring partners include well known boxers like Larry ‘The Legend’ Donald, Jameel McCline and Kevin Johnson.

The ‘Thunder From Down Under’, also known as Kostya Tszyu, is also planning to be in Povetkin's corner on the day of the fight.

The professional careers of the two boxers bear many similarities. Tszyu had a record of 13 wins and no defeats when he got his first IBF light welterweight title in Las Vegas. The Russian Knight is also fast approaching the IBF title with 15 wins and no defeats.

Many believe that Povetkin's aspirations for the title are a little premature. But while the Russian Knight is keeping busy preparing for the fight, his manager, Vladimir Khryunov, is convinced he will do well.

“We are doing everything in order to achieve a convincing win, especially with the fight being held in our home country. There's a huge team of professionals working for a common goal, I mean everything is broken down to a calorie in order to get the best result,” he said.

Thousands of fans are expected to descend on the small town of Chekhov in the Moscow region on the day of the fight.