MATCHROOM FIGHT CAMP LAUNCHES ON AUGUST 1

Eddie Hearn and Matchroom are delighted to announce the full schedule for Fight Camp – an unrivalled summer of elite boxing based at the Matchroom HQ in Brentwood, Essex with the first three weeks shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US – and the final week shown live on Sky Sports Box Office.

The unique and ground-breaking outdoor setting overlooking the city of London will play host to huge World Title clashes, British and Commonwealth Title showdowns, Heavyweight wars and countless other Title fights as Matchroom bring top tier boxing back to the screens of fights fans across the UK and US.

Matchroom’s summer of boxing launches with a bang on Saturday August 1 as Sam Eggington (28-6, 17 KOs) puts his IBF International Super-Welterweight title on the line against Ted Cheeseman (15-2-1, 9 KOs) in a guaranteed barnburner, Belfast’s big-hitting James Tennyson (26-3, 22 KOs) takes on Cardiff’s Gavin Gwynne (12-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant British Lightweight title, Chatteris talent Jordan Gill (24-1, 7 KOs) meets Watford’s Reece Bellotti (14-3, 12 KOs) in an electric Featherweight battle, fast-rising Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley (8-0, 7 KOs) steps up to take on Middlesbrough’s Simon Vallily (17-2-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant English belt and gifted Sheffield Super-Lightweight Dalton Smith (5-0, 4 KOs) squares off with Liverpool’s Nathan Bennett (9-1, 2 KOs).

Terri Harper’s (10-0, 5 KOs) defence of her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles against British rival Natasha Jonas (9-1, 7 KOs) headlines week 2 on Friday August 7 supported by Bournemouth’s Chris Billam-Smith (10-1, 9 KOs) defending his Commonwealth Title against undefeated Cardiff man Nathan Thorley (14-0, 6 KOs), Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (12-1, 9 KOs) gets his second outing of the year against Adam Harper (9-1), Oldham Lightweight prospect Aqib Fiaz (5-0) steps up against Birmingham’s former Midlands Area Champion Kane Baker (13-6) and Leeds Featherweight prospect Hopey Price (2-0) fights on UK soil again following his win on the huge Andy Ruiz vs. Anthony Joshua 2 show in Saudi Arabia.

Felix Cash (12-0, 8 KOs) puts his Commonwealth Middleweight Title on the line for the second time against former World Title challenger Jason Welborn (24-8, 7 KOs) at top of week 3’s bill on Friday August 14, recent Matchroom signing Zelfa Barrett (23-1, 14 KOs) meets Ireland’s undefeated Eric Donovan (12-0, 7 KOs) over ten rounds, Northampton Super-Welterweight Kieron Conway (14-1-1, 3 KOs) takes on Rotherham’s Navid Mansouri (20-3-2, 6 KOs), Watford Super-Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay (5-0, 2 KOs) faces the toughest opponent of her career in Rachel Ball (5-1) and hard-hitting Super-Middleweight menace John Docherty (8-0, 6 KOs) looks for his second win of the year.

Fight Camp concludes with an unmissable night of blockbuster action on Saturday August 22, shown live on Sky Sports Box Office, as Dillian Whyte (27-1, 18 KOs) defends his WBC Interim Heavyweight World Title against Alexander Povetkin (35-2-1, 24 KOs) and Irish legend Katie Taylor (15-0, 6 KOs) defends her Undisputed Lightweight World Titles. There’s more Heavyweight action on offer as Martin Bakole (15-1, 12 KOs) returns to the ring against Russia’s Sergey Kuzmin (15-1, 11 KOs) and Luther Clay (13-1, 5 KOs) defends his WBO Global Welterweight Title against Chris Kongo (11-0, 6 KOs).

Adam Smith, Sky Sports Head of Boxing Development, said: “Eddie Hearn has supplied a sizzling summer schedule in August, starting with three Sky Sports shows packed with British talent. Sam Eggington against Ted Cheeseman should be a classic clash, while the exciting trio of Jordan Gill, Fabio Wardley and Dalton Smith will be eager to impress.

“Terri Harper has already endeared herself to fight fans with her remarkable success story, but Natasha Jonas is a genuine threat as we return to Matchroom HQ with a high-class World Title fight. Anthony Fowler and Chris Billam-Smith have big ambitions and cannot afford slip-ups on the same bill.

“Felix Cash defends his Commonwealth belt against the dangerous Jason Welborn on our third action-packed show. We’ll get another chance to see Shannon Courtenay in action – she is a rising talent with an entertaining style – and it’s a perfect platform for Kieron Conway and Zelfa Barrett to showcase their skills.

“Fight Camp ends with fireworks as Dillian Whyte risks his World Title ambitions against the big-hitting Alexander Povetkin, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Katie Taylor can cement her status as one of the sport’s finest fighters when she returns to action on another fantastic bill. We’re back with a red-hot line-up of live boxing!”

WBO Super Champion Anthony Joshua OBE will defend his World titles against WBA mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium Connected by EE on September 22, live on Sky Sports Box Office. (photo by Lawrence Lustig).

The Heavyweight king returns to the scene of his historical triumph over legendary Champion Wladimir Klitschko in April 2017, where he produced the performance of a lifetime to claim the World title crown in an unforgettable battle in front of a post war record crowd on 90,000 at England’s national stadium.

The 28-year-old sensation went on to sell out the Principality Stadium in Cardiff twice, defending his belts against Carlos Takam in October before unifying the division by taking Joseph Parker’s WBO belt in March and is now thrilled to be back under the iconic Wembley arch for what promises to be another blockbuster night.

https://www.boxingscene.com/photos-anthony-joshua-training-beast-mode-povetkin–131741

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Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight title defense against Alexander Povetkin will be aired on the streaming platform DAZN on Sept. 22 as part of the U.S. debut of the service, promoters announced Tuesday. (photos by Lawrence Lustig).

The fight will be the first of a promised 70 live events on the service over the next year that will be available at a charge of $9.99 a month. The shows will feature both fights and Bellator MMA fights, said James Rushton, the CEO of DAZN.

“We’re going to provide pay-per-view quality shows without the pain of pay-per-view,” Rushton said. “It’s all going to be part of an affordable monthly fee.”

Joshua and Povetkin joined executives of the streaming company and Eddie Hearn, managing director of Matchroom Sport, to announce the debut telecast. Matchroom, which promotes Joshua, will provide fighters for the cards the company will stream.

“Everything we do is new and great, so it was only right we’d be part of this,” Joshua said.

In recent years most big boxing matches have been televised in the U.S. either by the premium cable networks Showtime and HBO or sold on pay-per-view through one of the two networks. ESPN signed a deal with promoter Top Rank last year to air many of those fights, and has launched a streaming service of its own to show fights and other events at $4.99 a month.

Hearn said the fight card between Joshua and Povetkin at Wembley Stadium in London will be followed by an Oct. 6 card from Chicago featuring Jesse Vargas and women’s fighter Katie Taylor, and an Oct. 20 card in Los Angeles headlined by super bantamweight champion Daniel Roman.

“In my opinion, this is the greatest thing to happen to boxing in America in a long, long time,” Hearn said.

https://www.boxingscene.com/photos-anthony-joshua-alexander-povetkin-face-face-uk–130067

Anthony Joshua OBE will defend his WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO Heavyweight World titles against WBA mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium Connected by EE on September 22, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

The Heavyweight king returns to the scene of his historical triumph over legendary Champion Wladimir Klitschko in April 2017, where he produced the performance of a lifetime to claim the WBA crown in an unforgettable battle in front of a post war record crowd on 90,000 at England’s national stadium.

The 28-year-old sensation went on to sell out the Principality Stadium in Cardiff twice, defending his belts against Carlos Takam in October before unifying the division by taking Joseph Parker’s WBO belt in March and is now thrilled to be back under the iconic Wembley arch for what promises to be another blockbuster night.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring, the end of March feels a long time ago now,” said Joshua. “Povetkin is a serious challenge that I will prepare meticulously for. He has serious pedigree and only a fool would underestimate what he brings to the table.

“Training hasn’t stopped for me, but the next 10 weeks ahead will be intense both mentally and physically. I will push myself to breaking point to make sure I am in peak condition for another huge night for British boxing at Wembley Stadium on September 22nd.”

Former WBA ruler Povetkin earned his shot at Joshua when he spectacularly defended his WBA Inter-Continental and WBO International titles with a brutal fifth round KO of Liverpool’s David Price last time out on the Joshua v Parker undercard.

Now the Russian powerhouse is aiming to overthrow the biggest name in boxing when he fights in England for the first time in his career.

“The battle for the World title has always been my goal,” said Povetkin. “I fought for the moment to face the strongest in the World and on September 22nd I get my opportunity. Anthony Joshua has four belts and I want them all. I’m glad that our fight will finally take place, the meeting of two Olympic Champions in the ring is destined to be a breath-taking event.”

“I can’t wait to return to Wembley on September 22nd for what I believe will be one of the biggest tests of AJ’s career,” said Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn. “Last time he was there he produced one of the most dramatic fights and endings in the history of the sport and I expect this fight to be full of energy and drama – Povetkin is a Top 3 Heavyweight and extremely dangerous but in AJ I see the best Heavyweight in the World today and I think we will see a major statement.

“It will be another huge night for British boxing with major championship fights on the card and another one of those special nights and atmospheres that will be watched by millions all around the World.”

Povetkin’s promoter Andrey Ryabinskiy commented: “The fight between Joshua and Povetkin is one of the biggest fights that can happen in the Heavyweight division today! This is a colossal battle of two Olympic Champions and it is sure to be an unforgettable night of boxing. I am delighted that Alexander is getting his chance to not only become a World Champion again, but to challenge for the throne of the Super-Heavyweight division.”

An announcement on on-sale dates, ticket prices and travel packages will be made this week.

By Alexey Sukachev

Moscow, Russia – Former WBA heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin (32-1, 23 KOs) of Russia returned for the first time since December, to win a twelve round unanimous decision over Andriy Rudenko (31-3, 19 KOs) of Ukraine to win the WBO International and WBA Continental heavyweight titles.

In what nearly became a very disappointing fight – in the very first round, Rudenko claimed that he was cuffed to the back of the neck when they were fighting on the inside, and he almost quit the fight.  He began complaining of a neck injury and was refusing to fight for nearly five minutes, but eventually agreed to box on.

Once the fight restarted, Povetkin’s advantage became visible. Rudenko was on the defensive in every round but he still managed to land some serious punches in middle rounds. Nevertheless, the Russian boxer was better in almost every department.

Rudenko was game enough to walk through pain and fatigue in later rounds as Povetkin applied some smart pressure and also started to use his body shots. The Ukrainian clinched it to the final bell despite being hurt and dazzled at the end.

The judges scored the contest 120-109, 120-108, 120-108.

www.boxingscene.com/povetkin-decisions-rudenko-gain-wba-wbo-regional-results–118087?print_friendly=1

Date:  Saturday, July 1, 2017

WBO INTERNATIONAL HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE BOUT

Location:  Luzhniki, Moscow, Russia 

Promoter:  World of Boxing Promotions / Dmitry Ivanov

Supervisor:   

Referee: 

Judges:  

Results:   

TV:  

Alexander Povetkin is now heading down the WBO route

Former WBA Heavyweight Champion ALEXANDER POVETKIN, (31-1-0, 23 KO’s), is making every effort to become a world champion leading up to his July 1 fight with ANDRIY RUDENKO, (31-2-0, 19 KO’s), in Moscow, Russia for the WBO International Heavyweight Title.

Enrolled in the combat sports’ toughest year round drug testing program, VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association), Povetkin was recently informed that tests performed on May 15 and May 16 were reported with negative results.

“I look forward to being tested by VADA and competing at a world class level, I want to prove to everybody that I am a clean fighter and that I can become a world champion again,” said Povetkin. “Andriy Rudenko is a tough fighter and I’ll have to be at my best to be victorious.”

“Vada is recognized as the highest standard for doping control in boxing and I want to prove through my testing with them that I’m a clean fighter and will work hard towards my dream of becoming the heavyweight champion of the world once again.”

“I have never tried to avoid any of the testing that I have done in the past, and I personally signed up for the VADA Clean Boxing program and I will continue my participation in the program working towards my goal.”

www.boxingnewsonline.net/alexander-povetkin-sets-next-fight-and-gets-negative-drug-test-results/

La Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) y su exitoso programa “Kids Drug Free” llegaron a Rusia en esta Navidad.
La ceremonia de presentación de la donación de la OMB al programa “Mundo Para Todos” se llevó a cabo este jueves, 26 de diciembre, en el Victor Ageev Boxing Club en la ciudad de Balashikha, Rusia.
Igor Mazurov, miembro del Comité Ejecutivo de la OMB, acompañado por los campeones mundiales rusos Anatoly Alexandrov, Alexander Povetkin y Alexander Bakhtin, presentó el cheque simbólico de la OMB a Tatyana Malanina, Directora de “Mundo Para Todos”.

Malanina expresó su gratitud por la donación de la OMB y personalmente a su presidente Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel. La Directora de “Mundo Para Todos”, que cuenta con más de 200 niños con discapacidades desde el nacimiento, mencionó que el dinero será utilizado para la reparación del único y viejo microbús, que es extremadamente necesario para el transporte de los niños con discapacidad.

El propósito de “Mundo Para Todos” es promover el desarrollo y la educación de estos niños marginados con el objetivo de adaptarlos socialmente y darles una ventaja inicial en la productividad futura de la sociedad.

Al evento también asistieron Roman Teryushkov , el Jefe de la Administración Municipal de Balashikha y Víctor Ageev, Presidente de la Federación de Boxeo Profesional de Rusia. Además estuvieron habitantes de Balashikha y los padres de los niños de “Mundo Para Todos”, así como medios de comunicación locales.

By Luke Furman –

WBO cruiserweight champion Marco Huck (36-2-1, 25KOs) is still hungry to win a title in the heavyweight division. In February 2012, Huck moved up to the heavyweight division to face WBA “regular” heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin. Unexpectedly, Huck made it very competitive and came very close to taking Povetkin out in the later rounds. He went on to lose a close twelve majority round decision, and following the fight he dropped back to cruiserweight.

Two fights later he faced tough veteran Firat Arslan (33-6-2, 21KOs) and won a controversial twelve round unanimous decision. They are going to do it again on January 25th in Stuttgart, Germany. If Huck is successful, he wants to work his way to another heavyweight title shot by the end of the year.

“I’m still dreaming of the heavyweight division. It’s quite possible that I’ll be fighting in the premier division, for a title, by the end of 2014,” Huck said.

http://www.boxingscene.com/marco-huck-wants-another-heavyweight-shot-next-year–73048

Wladimir Klitschko defended his WBA, IBF and WBO world heavyweight titles with victory over Alexander Povetkin by unanimous decision.

Russian Povetkin, who was unbeaten before the fight, was put down on three occasions in the seventh round and never really troubled the champion.

Tale of the tape

All three judges scored the fight 119-104 in 37-year-old Klitschko’s favour.

Klitschko has made 15 defences in his second spell as champion and has won 61 of his 64 professional fights.

“That was a tough bit of work, he’s a real fighter,” said Klitschko.

“I kept landing the punches, but he stayed in there.

“I believe it was a deserved win, but I think I can improve still.”

Klitschko quickly established his dominance and put Povetkin down with a short left towards the end of the season round.

With Klitschko’s jab working well, the challenger struggled to get close and was never able to build momentum.

Klitschko produced a fierce onslaught in the seventh, sending the Russian to the canvas on three occasions, although he looked to have pushed Povetkin over for two of those.

Seemingly content to coast through the rest of the fight, Klitschko was docked a point for once again throwing Povetkin to the ground in the 11th round.

Povetkin continued to battle, even after the final bell, but Klitschko’s victory never looked in doubt.

“Things didn’t quite go as well as I wanted, but I never give up,” said Povetkin.

“Of course, he was the better fighter, he’s the best in the world, that’s clear.”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/boxing/24416324

Date: Saturday, October 5, 2013

WBO Heavyweight Championship

Location:  Olimpiyskiy, Moscow, Russia

Promoter: K2 Promotions/Hrunov Promotion

Supervisor:   Igor Mazurov

Referee:   Luis Pabon

Judges:  Ted Gimza, Glen Feldman, Philliplpe Vebeke

Results:   Wladimir Klitschko retains the WBO/IBF/WBA Heavyweight Title against Alexander Povetkin by UD; the scores 119-104 on all three cards of Judges.

Emanuel Steward & Wladimir Klitschko

By:  Pedro Fernandez –

KLITSCHKO TO MAKE “ANOTHER” STATEMENT

San Francisco, CA– Nothing is more intimidating than “size” when it comes to heavyweights.  While I rate Larry Holmes #1 historically, the “Easton Assassin” might end up being displaced by current WBO & linear champion Wladimir Klitschko as the Ukrainian native has amassed an almost unequaled status in 17 years of boxing. And before anybody pitches a bitch about opposition, you can’t here as the younger Klitschko brother has beaten everybody put in front of him with “gusto,” but only after the late Emanuel Steward taught Wlad how to fight.

WBO “FIGHTER OF THE YEAR” WAS IN TRAINING

It was just last month in Budapest, Hungary, at the WBO’s 26th Boxing Congress where I announced Wladimir as the “WBO Fighter of The Year,” an award WBO President Francisco Valcarcel will give to him prior to this Saturday’s bout in Moscow against unbeaten Russian Alexander Povetkin. It truly is a fitting honor seeing Wladimir is now 60-3 with 50 guys leaving the ring earlier than they had hoped.  A professional since winning Olympic Gold in 1996, Wlad has had went 19-2 in WBO title fights alone. With the expected win over Povetkin Saturday, Wlad will be eclipsing Larry Holmes’ 19 defenses of the linear title, which is second only to Joe Louis’ magic number of 25.

LEARNED TO FIGHT “BIG & SMART” UNDER STEWARD

As alluded to in paragraph one, the 6’7 Klitschko, younger brother of WBC titleholder Vitali Klitschko, fights tall and with his height, reach, conditioning and longevity, may in fact be the greatest heavyweight champion in history.  Seeing I tend to rate the “retired,” the still active Klitschko brothers won’t be given their final rating until it is all said and done.

WLADIMIR HAD “TITANIC” LIKE CRACKS DEFENSIVELY

When I watched him early on with the late Kronk Gym Goldfather Emanuel Steward, like the 2004 DaVaryll Williamson fight in Las Vegas, Klitschko, not the confident fighter he is today, was instead a bit apprehensive with the former US amateur stand out and got dropped.  There is no way I thought that Wlad, then in his eighth year as a professional would improve to the point where I’d be saying that at the end of his day, might be the greatest heavyweight champion in history.

NO MORE LEAKS IN THE KLITSCHKO HULL

The people that rap Wladimir say he was drilled thrice, the initial time by Ross Puritty, whom he ran out of gas against. The losses to Lamon (Don’t call him Lamont) Brewster and the late Corrie Sanders were two occasions where Wlad was slightly unfocused and got hit with punches he didn’t see incoming. The improvement, again credit goes to Emanuel Steward, will surely be in play Saturday when he hammers Povetkin at will until the fight is stopped somewhere before round nine.

http://ringtalk.com/wbo-champ-wladimir-klitschko-evolved

Two Olympic champions will collide on Saturday night at Olympic Stadium in Moscow, Russia. WBA/IBO/WBO/IBF heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko and undefeated mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin held open workout sessions in Moscow. The two fighters have been scheduled to fight each other at least twice since 2008 with the match getting canceled both times.

http://www.boxingscene.com/photos-klitschko-povetkin-open-workouts-moscow–70188

By Alexey Sukachev –

Nearly 150 reporters from all over the globe (but mostly from Moscow, which surely doesn’t come as surprise) filled in the Mary Jane restaurant on  the shores of the Moscow River to see the kick-off for the heavyweight showdown between the reigning Super WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO champion Wladimir Klitschko and his perennial challenger and WBA (“regular”) titleholder Alexander Povetkin. The fight between two Olympic super heavyweight gold medalists is penciled to take place on October 5 at Olimpiyskiy Palace of Sports under the Andrey Ryabinskiy promotion, represented by the bid-winner Hrunov Promotions.

Present at the scene were: Wladimir Klitschko, Alexander Povetkin, Andrey Ryabinskiy, Povetkin’s head coach Alexander Zimin, BDB president Thomas Putz, Wladimir’s manager Berndt Boente and PBFR vice-president Anatoly Petrov.

The presser took over an hour with local media being especially active not only in boxing Q&A but also asking the competitors about some stuff outside the pugilism. Both parties were friendly and polite but Team Povetkin looked a bit too nervous in comparison with the relaxed champion. While Wladimir was as articulate as usual, Alexander, his new wife sitting in a front row against the presidium (alongside Chris Meyer of Sauerland Event and his former guider Vladimir Hryunov), was short on words – also as usual.

Here are the most interesting quotes.

Wladimir Klitschko: “I’m very glad to greet you here in Moscow. My elder brother Vitali already fought in the Russian capital a year ago, and now it’s my turn and I’m totally delighted to battle Alexander in his homeland. A record-breaking array of reporters tells me how big this contest really is. I’m definitely pumped up and willing to show my best game at the fight time”.

About his trainer, “I continue working with Johnathon Banks. Well, his recent fight (against Seth Mitchell) wasn’t a success to say the least but he is a much better trainer than he is a boxer. His help was very valuable to me (as were his advices), when Manny (Steward) has gone. He is doing a great job, and he will be a chief coach in my corner on Oct. 5”.

About his attitude to Povetkin and drawing black eyes on Alexander’s silhouette three years ago, “It was what it was. When Team Povetkin didn’t appear for a presser in Germany, I was really embarrassed. Really! I don’t have any bad feelings to Alexander and there’s no bad blood between me and him. I wish him all the best during his training camp. I see he is trimmed and ready for the biggest fight of his career, and I would like to see the top Povetkin when the bell rings”.

About his strongest opponent: “I couldn’t point out a single one. Alexander Povetkin will definitely be one of the most dangerous. I remember him fighting in one of my undercards (against Friday Ahunanya before Wladimir vs. Chris Byrd). Manny Steward came to me soon thereafter and told me: “Look at this guy! He is a good boxer, and he very well can be your opponent somewhere in future”. Every Olympic super heavyweight gold medalist looks after his successors and I’m no exception”

About his feelings towards Povetkin, “There’s no confrontation. Not at all. I was rooting for Alexander during his bout versus Andrzej Wawrzyk. I was very impressed with his boxing”.

About a rematch clause in the contract, “Sorry, such things are parts of the fight agreement, and I cannot disclose such details”.

Alexander Povetkin: “The fight is finally on, and I can’t wait. It’ll be a world-class event, and I hope to show the best of Alexander Povetkin”.

About his attitude to Klitschko and him drawing black eyes on Alexander’s silhouette three years ago, “It doesn’t bother me at all. I’m not into it. I think he was a bit disappointed but I’m not taking this for an offense. I respect Wladimir”.

About his preparations, “The first stage, which has taken place in Kyrgyzstan, is over. My team is well equipped and I also hope that Kostya Tszyu will join it at one of the moments”.

About his feelings towards Wladimir, “To tell the truth, I consider Russian, Belarussian and Ukrainian peoples to be parts of a single nation. I always root for fraternal Slavic sportsmen, and Wladimir is no exception”.

Andrey Ryabinskiy – “I’m totally delighted that we have brought this fight to Moscow. It’s not about money. 24 billions isn’t what I’m complaining for. It’s about developing Russian boxing into a real power across the world. Please, come on Oct. 5 to see a fantastic event”

About the undercard, “It’ll be announced later, but cruiserweights Rakhim Chakhkiev (16-1, 12 KOs) and Grigory Drozd (36-1, 25 KOs) will definitely be parts of it. I’m also working to bring former WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev (31-2-1, 20 KOs) to the event”.

About anti-doping policy and about NADA taking the drug tests, “I’m fully ensured that NADA specialists are of the highest class and dignity. But I cannot reveal any details of the anti-doping policy due to non-disclosure agreement”.

About the certain local sanctioning body, working the bout, “This is the same with this one – I cannot reveal this item of our agreement”.

About tickets, “They are coming for sale in about a week. I ordered that prices would vary not a bit. Everyone should have a chance to see a fight of this caliber regardless of its wealth. Hence there will be not only high-priced but also cheap tickets for everymen”.

About worldwide broadcast, “We have reached an agreement with HBO to air this fight overseas. It’ll be also televised by RTL in Germany and I’m looking for more TV channels around the globe to by this event in the nearest future”.

http://www.boxingscene.com/klitschko-povetkin-discuss-their-batlle-moscow-russia–68578

By Ruslan Chikov –

Top rated Russian light heavyweight contender Sergey Kovalev (21-0-1, 19KOs) is backing his countryman, Alexander Povetkin (26-0, 18KOs), to defeat WBA/IBO/IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (60-3, 51KOs) on October 5th at Olimpiyskiy stadium. Kovalev knows the possibility of Povetkin winning is distant, but the opportunities will be there if Povetkin comes prepared. Klitschko-Povetkin is viewed as the biggest boxing event to ever take place on Russian soil.

“I would like to see our ‘Russian Knight’ win. The chances are there. But, honestly, it will be very hard to accomplish. Klitschko is great from a distance and does not allow you to get close to him. I believe the [Klitschko] brothers climbed to the top thanks to their physical dimensions – height, long arms. I do not like the style of Klitschko, but the results [in the ring] are phenomenal,” Kovalev said.

“What about Alexander? Yes, he’s not Mike Tyson. He does not have explosive speed. But there is a character [in his style]. I think Alexander will take risks. Well, boxing – it is not checkers: in boxing one punch can decide the outcome of the match. A single blow. And Klitschko is not invincible. If you remember he has been beaten and more than once. I’ll be rooting for Alexander.”

http://www.boxingscene.com/kovalev-klitschko-not-invincible-im-backing-povetkin–67432

Ukrainian heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (L) hits Italian-born challenger Francesco Pianeta during their IBO, IBF, WBO, WBA title fight in Mannheim. Picture: Daniel Rowland Source: AFP

–WORLD heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko has defended his WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belts, outclassing challenger Francesco Pianeta with a sixth-round knockout to register the 60th win of his career.

Although German-Italian Pianeta, who survived testicular cancer three years ago, came into the bout undefeated from 29 fights, he was outclassed by the 37-year-old champion at Mannheim in south-west Germany.

“I want to thank my opponent. There are a lot of challengers who talk a lot, but he got in the ring and fought bravely,” said Klitschko.

After Pianeta fought on, despite first hitting the canvas in the fourth round, the champion paid further tribute to the challenger’s courage.

Ukrainian heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (L) hits Italian-born challenger Francesco Pianeta during their IBO, IBF, WBO, WBA title fight in Mannheim. Picture: Daniel Rowland Source: AFP

“After the battle he has had against cancer, he deserves respect,” said Klitschko.

“He tried everything to hit me. If he had landed one of his big punches, I wouldn’t have got up.”

Pianeta made an ambitious start with one huge right-hand coming over the top of Klitschko’s guard but failing to connect, while the champion responded with two heavy jabs which found their target.

Klitschko relied on his jab in the opening three rounds as the challenger landed several heavy shots, but a big right from the Ukrainian put Pianeta on the floor in the fourth round.

From then on, the challenger was struggling to stay in the fight and, although he showed plenty of heart by fighting on, he was down again in the fifth, but managed to survive the count.

With his coordination compromised, it was only a matter of time before the fight was brought to an end.

With his trainer ready to throw in the towel, Pianeta did not come up again after hitting the canvas after 2mins 52 seconds of the sixth round following a brutal left-right combination which floored him.

“I’m ok, just very disappointed and sad,” added Pianeta after receiving treatment in the ring.

Ukrainian heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (L) hits Italian-born challenger Francesco Pianeta during their IBO, IBF, WBO, WBA title fight in Mannheim. Picture: Daniel Rowland Source: AFP

Victory gave Klitschko the 51st knockout of his career, but the last of his three defeats came nearly a decade ago.

For his next fight, Klitschko has been ordered by the World Boxing Association to face Russia’s Alexander Povetkin in Moscow on August 31.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/more-sport/wladimir-klitschko-defends-four-belts-against-francesco-pianeta/story-e6frfglf-1226635391257

On February 25 in Stuttgart, WBO cruiserweight champion Marco Huck wants to become the first German world heavyweight champion since the great Max Schmeling when he takes on WBA regular champion Alexander Povetkin of Russia. “I’m very happy about the chance to fight the heavyweight world championship,” says Huck. “That to me is like winning the lottery. I really want to be the heir to Schmeling. But actually I see Povetkin only as a stopover on the way to the Klitschko brothers….I don’t understand why Povetkin has never taken the chance to climb into the ring against Wladimir. I think he’s afraid of the Klitschko brothers. I’m not.”

“I want to beat Povetkin, then compete against the two brothers. I know that Vitali and Wladimir are strong, and I respect their achievements. But I’m sure I can beat both of them. And anyway, what is it bigger than competing with the best? Why would someone enter the boxing ring if he doesn’t want to make the best possible fight? I can’t understand that.”

Huck is preparing in Berlin for his first fight as a heavyweight. “I’ve already gained the necessary pounds, I feel very comfortable with the higher weight. My energy levels have improved. I have more power than most heavyweights. At the same time I’m fast and physically in top condition. I’ll be training in the coming weeks as hard as ever. This is my big chance and I’m going to use it!”
 

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/huck-povetkin-is-scared-of-the-klitschkos-im-not-105916

WBO cruiserweight champion Marco Huck (34-1, 25KOs) is expecting a score to be settled on February 25th in Stuttgart, Germany, when he moves up to heavyweight to challenge WBA “regular” champion Alexander Povektin (23-0, 16KOs). Some of Huck’s critics are wondering if the boxer should have cleared up the cruiserweight ranks, like David Haye and Evander Holyfield, before a move to heavyweight was finalized. Huck disagrees. He feels there is some bad blood from a past sparring session and the opportunity was too good to pass up.

“Holyfield and David Haye had to take a few fights at heavyweight before going for the championship. With me, I have an immediate opportunity to fight for the heavyweight belt. And I’d be a fool, to give up this opportunity. I want to fight Povetkin right now. After all, he said that we still have old score to settle. Apparently he’s thinking about our sparring session from a long time ago,” Huck said. “When I sparred with Povetkin, I weighed 196-pounds. And that was enough. Now I weigh 213-pounds.”

By Ruslan Chikov & Alexander Pavlov

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=48352

On February 25th in Stuttgart, Germany, WBO cruiserweight champion Marco Huck (34-1, 25KOs) takes the biggest step of his career, when he moves up to heavyweight to challenge WBA “regular” champion Alexander Povektin (23-0, 16KOs). Huck is putting on the pounds, but he disputes circulated reports of gaining meaningless mass. Huck is concentrating on gaining muscle and strength. The boxer has combined a mixture of diet and power training to reach his goal of capturing a heavyweight title.

There is no rest for the cruiserweight champion. Huck is training twice daily, with coaches Ulli Wegner and George Bramowski during the day, and in the evening with his dad. A high number of pushups, sit-ups  and other forms of pure strength training are motivated on Huck by his father. Huck is now capable of doing 200 pushups in a row and gaining heavyweight power, says the boxer.

“It’s hard, but [my father] helps me,” says Marco Huck. “I often walk around with weight cuffs on my arms and legs. I [drink] raw eggs with milk, which makes me sick. My father is kind to me and helping make my dream become a reality.”

By Ruslan Chikov

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=48275

WBO cruiserweight champion Marco Huck (34-1, 25KOs) is taking a huge jump on February 25th when he moves up in weight to challenge WBA “regular” heavyweight champ Alexander Povetkin (23-0, 16KOs). Some fans are questioning Huck’s rise in weight without finishing some necessary business at 200-pounds, like a rematch with Denis Lebedev of Russia. Lebdev lost a controversial split decision to Huck in 2010. The German star is interested in dropping down in weight, after he face Povetkin, for a potential rematch with Lebedev.

“First, I want to fight with Povetkin, and then return to cruiserweight specifically for a rematch with Lebedev. But such decisions are not my own, there are made by my promoter Wilfried Sauerland. That fight with Lebedev was a big battle. In the ring there were two real warriors. And when the fight ended, the referee raised my hand,” Huck said.

By Rulsan Chikov & Alexander Pavlov

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=48031

Marco “Käpt´n” Huck (34-1, 25 K.o.´s), der aktuelle WBO-Weltmeister im Cruisergewicht, steht vor einem Wechsel ins Schwergewicht. Sein Plan: Er will den amtierenden WBA-Weltmeister Alexander Povetkin (23-0, 16 K.o.´s) herausfordern. Der 32-jährige WBA-Titelträger verteidigte am Samstagabend im finnischen Helsinki gegen den Amerikaner Cedric Boswell seinen WM-Gürtel eindrucksvoll, gewann durch K.o. in der achten Runde. Die in der Nacht folgende Pressekonferenz zum WM-Fight im Medien-Raum der Hartwall Areena nutzte dann aber Huck für seinen großen Auftritt. Nachdem Wilfried Sauerland dazu befragt wurde, welche Pläne man nach dem Erfolg gegen Boswell mit Alexander Povetkin verfolgen würde, meldete sich Marco Huck zu Wort. Der Cruisergewichts-Weltmeister hatte sich zuvor unter die anwesenden Journalisten gemischt und stürmte ans Podium. “Herr Sauerland, ich möchte etwas dazu sagen”, so Huck. “Jeder weiß, dass es schon immer mein Traum war, ins Schwergewicht zu wechseln. Hiermit fordere ich Alexander Povetkin heraus, ich möchte gegen ihn antreten und nach Max Schmeling erster deutscher Schwergewichts-Weltmeister bei einem bedeutenden Box-Weltverband werden.”

Wilfried Sauerland antwortete: “Das ist natürlich eine Sache, über die wir erst einmal sprechen müssen. Beide Kämpfer stehen beim Sauerland-Team unter Vertrag. Deshalb freue ich mich nicht darüber. Aber wir werden in den nächsten Tagen mit allen Beteiligten diskutieren und sprechen.” Grundsätzlich scheint der Weg für Huck, der dafür seinen Cruisergewichts-Titel niederlegen müsste, aber frei. “Wir respektieren Marcos Wunsch”, so Sauerland-Geschäftsführer Chris Meyer, “aber jetzt müssen wir erst einmal sehen, ob sich das realisieren lässt. Das Interesse an diesem Kampf wäre riesengroß. Doch wir müssen natürlich erst einmal mit den entsprechenden Weltverbänden darüber sprechen, ob das möglich ist.” Huck-Trainer Ulli Wegner scheint den Plänen seines Schützlings inzwischen offen gegenüberzustehen. “Ich glaube, einige Kämpfe im Cruisergewicht gegen Gegner wie Ola Afolabi oder Denis Lebedev wären genauso schwer”, so der Erfolgscoach. “Alexander Povetkin hat am Samstagabend eine gute Leistung gezeigt. Marco müsste für das Schwergewicht im Kraftbereich natürlich erheblich zulegen. Ich hätte an seiner Stelle noch damit gewartet, denn das Cruisergewicht ist eine sehr spannende Gewichtsklasse. Doch letztendlich stehe ich seiner Entscheidung nicht im Wege.”

http://www.boxen.com/news-archiv/newsdetails/article/huck-will-ins-schwergewicht.html