Povetkin to Fight For IBF Interim Title

Posted by David M. Lee on 10.15.2009

Another title at heavyweight..... yay!

Its been confirmed that unbeaten heavyweight contender Alexander Povetkin (17-0, 12 KOs) will fight for the IBF interim title. The 30-year-old Russian, who won a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics, has been in line for a shot at the IBF champion Wladimir Klitschko since January 2008. After pulling out of their scheduled contest last December due to an injured ankle, it looked as though Povetkin would get the chance to tackle the giant Ukrainian this year, after the IBF ordered Klitschko to defend his title against the Russian star before September 13th. Unfortunately, Wladimir underwent shoulder surgery after his TKO victory over Ruslan Chagaev last June and will be out of action until the end of 2009. So with Klitschko unable to meet the deadline, the IBF have ordered an interim title fight.

Sauerland Event General Manager Chris Meyer couldn't be happier. "He (Povetkin) has been waiting for his title shot for such a long time. We are very happy that the IBF grants Alexander this chance." Asked about the who, when and where, Meyer added: "We are waiting to see who the opponent will be. We will then work out the date and the venue as soon as possible."

Povetkin's opponent will likely be Eddie Chambers. However, if Chambers isn't interested, Samuel Peter could get a shot at the interim title. Due to Povetkin's title shot, he will not be taking a tune-up fight in Baltimore on October 16th.