[Danny]

Article Link -http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=60620#ixzz2FVxzkQCB
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By Rick Reeno

BoxingScene.com has been advised by well informed sources that the World Boxing Association is pushing hard for Wladimir Klitschko (59-3, 50KOs) to defend his heavyweight crown against mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin (25-0, 17KOs).

The sanctioning body notified both sides, by letter, that Wladimir must defend his title against Povetkin by February 26th.

Klitschko was made the WBA's "super champion" a few years ago. The belt became vacant after Klitschko defeated then "regular" champion David Haye last July. Povetkin captured the vacant "regular" title" with a twelve round decision victory over Ruslan Chagaev last August.

The WBA already started a 30 day negotiations period earlier this week. Both sides have until January 17 to reach an agreement or a purse bid will be called. It appears the WBA is going to make it very difficult for Wladimir to receive a special permit to postpone the mandatory obligation, as Wladimir made a voluntary defense against Mariusz Wach last month.

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Chances of this actually finally happening? :lol:

Noises from Povetkin's camp suggest he wants this fight, but whether that's just all talk remains to be seen as he's been ducking this fight for years. I think he's arguably a worse fighter than he was 4 or 5 years ago and thus even LESS ready for this fight than he was before (which was supposedly the reason he was being kept away).

Either way, I think he would have been in for a one-sided beating. Wlad could do real damage to him if this comes off. I'd still like to see it, as it's one of the bigger fights in the HW division.

 

[Roe]

About time Klitschko stepped up to make this fight happen. He's been avoiding Povetkin for far too long. Believe you me.

 

[1971791]

If it were to go to a purse bid... what would the bids be in the region of? This will be quite a big fight, if it comes off. What's the biggest purse bid ever?

 

[Danny]

If it were to go to a purse bid... what would the bids be in the region of? This will be quite a big fight, if it comes off. What's the biggest purse bid ever?

A lot higher than this one.

 

[sim_reiss]

If it were to go to a purse bid... what would the bids be in the region of? This will be quite a big fight, if it comes off. What's the biggest purse bid ever?

This fight has been to purse bids before a few years ago and K2 won it with a bid of $8m

 

[Roe]

This fight has been to purse bids before a few years ago and K2 won it with a bid of $8m

That must've been a world record for the highest ever bid for a cardboard cut out.

 

[Bryn]

Might as well

 

[sim_reiss]

That must've been a world record for the highest ever bid for a cardboard cut out.

Cardboard cut out TKO6 Klitschko

 

[Ilesey]

Glad it looks like it's happening, but I think Wlad will make Povetkin look like a clueless plodder.

Still, it will be worth a watch, like.

 

[sean87ph]

Wlad will probably jab his head off and Povetkin run out of steam. Who is training Povetkin now?

 

[Nyanners :sad5]

Who cares, another can for Wladimir. Good to see Povetkin finally decides to step up two years later.

 

[Libertarian]

Povetkin isn't anywhere near what he was when the fight was first mooted.

Wlad is better...

It'll be a massacre. Povetkin won't fight again after this I don't think.

 

[BoxingAnalyst]

Pointless fight really, there are literally no contenders out there for Wlad.