Povetkin’s team won’t take me on – Wladimir Klitschko

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Published time: September 13, 2011 13:34
Edited time: September 13, 2011 17:35

The best heavyweight boxer in the world, Wladimir Klitschko, says he wants to fight the new WBA champion, Aleksandr Povetkin, but thinks the Russian boxer’s team have no interest in staging such a bout.

­“I’m ready to fight Povetkin,” Klitschko told Sportbox.ru. “But as I understand it, Aleksandr doesn’t make such decisions on his own. This is done by his trainer and promoter. So as far as I know, Povetkin will fight Holyfield next."

“I'm also not sure that Sauerland Event would risk pitting their new champion against me,” the Ukrainain added.

Povetkin claimed the vacant WBA “regular” heavyweight title on August 27th, defeating Uzbek fighter Ruslan Chagaev on a unanimous decision by the judges. The belt was put on the line after Wladimir Klitschko beat WBA champion David Haye to become the WBA Super Champion.  

“There is some confusion regarding the conduct of Povetkin ‘s camp. Because [manager Vladimir] Khryunov, [promoter Wilfried] Sauerland and [coach Teddy] Atlas can’t reach agreement among themselves. So it’s hard for me to comment on when the bout will take place, whether there is a desire to stage it and so on,” the 35-year-old explained.

The WBA Super, IBF, WBO Super, IBO champion stressed that he considers the Russian Knight a very serious opponent.

“I have great respect for Aleksandr’s sporting achievements. He’s an Olympic champion and still undefeated in professional boxing,” he said.

The younger of the Klirschko brothers is even ready to wait for Povetkin, as coach Atlas says his man needs to enter a few more fights to gain experience before facing the Ukrainian champ.  

“I have already twice provided Aleksandr with an opportunity to fight me. I'm ready to talk about it again and ready to fight – now or after two and three of his bouts,” Wladimir said.