Former WBA heavyweight champion of the world Alexander Povetkin (28-1 , 20KOs) has quietly got himself back into world title contention. Povetkin is currently ranked number 1 by the WBC. The newly crowned champion of the division is unbeaten Deontay Wilder (33-0 , 32KOs). Wilder decisively defeated Canadian based Haitian, Bermaine Stiverne to win the title this past January. Povetkin is riding a two fight win streak with both wins coming in 2014. He impressively stopped German based Lebanese Manuel Charr by way of 7th round KO. Charr had previously been stopped by world champion Vitali Klitschko but that was due to a cut on his eyebrow. Povetkin next would defeat Frenchman Carl Takam. This victory was even more impressive as Takam was coming off of a decisive victory over world ranked two-time world title challenger Tony Thompson. It was an extremely tough fight for both guys. After 8 rounds all three judges had it scored 76-76 a piece. Povetkin turned it up a notch in round 9 dropping Takam and again in round 10 in route to the 10th round KO victory. It was the first time Takam had been stopped in his pro career. The victory landed Povetkin the WBC Silver heavyweight title and subsequently earned him his current WBC #1 ranking.
Devastating first loss
Where 2014 was a year of good memories for Povetkin October 5th, 2013 is a date he would likely want to forget. After years of anticipation the showdown between Povetkin and Wladimir Klitschko finally was set. Povetkin was supposed to challenge Klitschko back in December of 2008 but pulled out from the fight due to an injury. Even though the IBF then gave Klitschko a deadline to fight Povetkin in 2009, the option was not exercised. Povetkin trainer at that time Teddy Atlas said that Povetkin was not ready for a fight with Klitschko. Four years after the fact Atlas looked like a genius with that assessment. Klitschko dropped Povetkin in round 2 and three times in round 7. Povetkin showed alot of heart to get up from the knockdowns and last the distance but thats the only consolation out of the fight for him. He would go on to drop a lopsided unanimous decision to Klitschko. It was not only a disappointing night for Povetkin but also to many fans who felt that Povetkin could at least pose a challenge to Klitschko.
Back in title contention
Credit to Povetkin to not only physically rebound from the Klitschko loss but mentally as well. He no doubt was embarrassed by his effort and seems very determined to again become a world champion. Fortunately for him he won’t have to rematch Klitschko in order to accomplish this. A new heavyweight star has since burst on to the scene in Wilder. Though he impressed with his title winning effort against Stiverne there is no question that Povetkin presents a totally different challenge for Wilder. Though Povetkin is the number 1 ranked contender for Wilder’s title he is not the mandatory as of yet. Meaning Wilder will likely defend a few more times prior to being obligated to face Povetkin. Which brings up a very interesting point. Povetkin has serious backing behind him in promoter and Russian businessman Andrey Ryabinsky. In the fight between Klitschko and Povetkin it was Ryabinsky who was behind the winning purse bid of $23,333,330, million dollars which was one of the largest in boxing history. This is significant because it could force Wilder to have to defend the title in Povetkin’s native Russia if a similar situation were to repeat itself. Regardless of what happens next Povetkin showed what he is made of just to be back in this position after such a devastating loss
