The IBF #1 mandatory Alexander Povetkin was supposed to face current WBO/IBF/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitchko this December 13. Instead, he he unfortunately got an ankle injury and had to pull out of the fight.
Hasim Rahman, who is the highest ranking available opponent in the IBF, will now face Klitschko on December 13th, and will count as a IBF mandatory for Klitschko. However, the IBF president Marian W. Muhammad confirmed via an official letter to Sauerland Event managing director Chris Meyer that the 29-year-old will remain the IBF #1 mandatory and will face the winner of Klitschko´s fight with Hasim Rahman next year. This is what Marian Muhammad had to say:
“Mr. Povetkin will remain in the No. 1 position in the heavyweight rankings. As Wladimir Klitschko has elected to fight the next leading available contender to complete his mandatory, Mr. Povetkin will be designated the next mandatory for the winner of the bout between Wladimir Klitschko vs. Hasim Rahman. If Klitschko retains the title on December 13, Povetkin should fight in a mandatory within the next nine months. If Rahman wins, he would have one year to make his mandatory defence against the White Lion."
Povetkin´s co-manager, Vlad Hrunov had a few words in response to the IBF presidents latest words..
“We are happy that Alexander will be given the chance to fight the winner next year. Alexander will take his time to recover from the injury and then get back in shape. I have no doubts he will be the new heavyweight champion in 2009.”
I think this a good thing for Povetkin. I don't think he was anywhere near ready to face Klitschko, but within a years time he should be able to face a couple more opponents to get some added experience he needs before he faces Klitschko(or Rahman,which I doubt will be the case) next year.
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