Heavyweight contender (31-1) Alexander Povetkin returns to action this Saturday (July 1, 2017) in Moscow as a major favorite facing rival Ukrainian Andriy Rudenko (31-2) for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental title.
Povetkin is a former gold medal Olympian who has fought his entire pro career in Russia and Eastern Europe, where his only pro loss came in a world title bid against Wladimir Klitschko. Povetkin was scheduled to face WBC world champion Deontay Wilder but failed a drug test back in 2016, and then he failed a subsequent test for PEDs that really cast doubt on his vigorous defense.
The WBC cancelled an “interim” title bout between Povetkin and Bermaine Stiverne because of the second failed test. Povetkin’s future as a title contender for the WBC belt seemed to come to an end. But in a true microcosm of how confused the boxing world can be, Stiverne went home without a chance at the belt and a payday. Meanwhile, Povetkin — who is the guy who tested positive — fought contender Johan Duhaupas in what amounts to a non-sanctioned match.
Rudenko has a strong record, but it has all come in bouts in his native Ukraine. His two losses were to Australia’s Lucas Browne and England’s Hughie Fury, and neither is as tested as Povetkin. According to the betting odds at Several Bookmakers, Conor McGregor has a better shot at beating Floyd Mayweather than Rudenko does of scoring the upset.
The WBO, which recognizes New Zealand’s Joseph Parker as its current world champion, has cashed Povetkin’s check that pays a “sanctioning fee.” So presto, the WBO’s Inter-Continental belt is on the line. If as expected Povetkin wins, he will likely still have to pass some sort of PED testing. But assuming he does, he will likely emerge as the No. 1 contender for Joseph Parker’s WBO world title.
The eight-fight boxing card is promoted by World of Boxing and features several other bouts that may appear at Several Bookmakers. One other fight to watch is former 140-pound world titlist Eduard Troyanovsky (25-1) trying to bounce back from his December of 2016 knockout loss to Julius Indongo as he faces former world champion Michele Di Rocco (41-2-1) of Italy.
Heavyweight – 12 rounds – Moscow, Russia
Andriy Rudenko +2000
Alexander Povetkin -5000
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