Deontay Wilder is on track to fight Alexander Povetkin, but the plan isn’t for that bout to take place next.
A person with knowledge of the plan told USA TODAY Sports on Thursday that the WBC heavyweight champion is likely to make one more optional defense in January 2016, then fight Povetkin afterward. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because discussing the plan publicly is unauthorized. It’s unclear if the sanctioning body will approve one more optional defense.
Povetkin, the WBC’s mandatory challenger, will take on Mariusz Wach in November and would thus be unavailable to fight in January. This plan would allow Wilder to stay active and get one more fight in before a massive step up to Povetkin.
Wilder (35-0, 34 KOs) made the second successful defense of his belt with an 11th-round TKO of Johann Duhaupas on Saturday. The Bronze Bomber had his eye closed in the fight and got some more rounds under his belt as he continues to grow in the division.
The 2008 Olympic bronze medalist won the title with an impressive performance against Bermane Stiverne in January, but his last two fights have come against much more modest competition. Wilder knocked out Eric Molina in June and many fans question whether he’s ready for the likes of Povetkin, a former heavyweight titleholder who was an Olympic gold medalist.
Povetkin, 36, has won three consecutive bouts since a loss to Wladimir Klitschko in 2013, victories over Carlos Takam, Manuel Charr and Mike Perez. The first-round KO of Perez this past summer made him the No. 1 contender.
If Wilder isn’t ready for the test now, one more fight will certainly help his development.
Alexander Povetkin, Deontay Wilder, heavyweight, News
Bookmarks