Alexander Povetkin to Face Cedric Boswell on December 3
by Scott Christ on Oct 25, 2011 12:53 PM EDT
in Boxing News Analysis
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Cementing the rumors as fact, ESPN.com's Dan Rafael reports that WBA heavyweight titlist Alexander Povetkin will make the first defense of his belt against Cedric Boswell on December 3. The fight will take place at Helsinki's Hartwall Arena, which hosted the Carl Froch vs Arthur Abraham fight in November 2010.
Povetkin (22-0, 15 KO) picked up the "vacant" "regular" version of the WBA belt on August 27 with a decision win over Ruslan Chagaev in Germany, claiming his first major title as a professional. The former amateur standout's pro career has been a bit of a disappointment thus far, and at 32 he's accomplished a lot less than most thought he would have by now. His career and reputation have been hampered a bit by twice ducking Wladimir Klitschko after signing to fight him, and while he may be the world's third-best heavyweight right now, few if any take him seriously as any type of threat against the brothers. This doesn't make him unique, but once upon a time he was supposed to be that guy, and it just hasn't happened.
Boswell (35-1, 26 KO) may not be a well-known name, and he's 42 years old, but the Detroit native and Atlanta resident can fight. He'll be a genuine underdog here, but I can't help but be happy about a couple of things. First off, he's getting the chance he's so desired for so long. And second, Povetkin isn't fighting someone worse. There was talk of Evander Holyfield and then Hasim Rahman, and frankly Boswell is a better opponent than either of the former champions. He's fresher, less beaten up, and with his 81" reach, I could honestly see him making Povetkin work hard for this one. He may not win, but "The Boz" is unlikely to roll over if the going gets tough.
How do you feel about this one? Better or worse than Holyfield/Rahman would have been? Do you think Boswell has a legitimate chance to pull off the upset, even if it's a small chance?
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I don’t think too highly of Povetkin, and Boswell seems competent and motivated, so I’d give him a shot.
More than anything, though, I’m glad to see a successful journeyman like Boswell a shot at a good payday and a title.
by Verklemptomaniac on Oct 25, 2011 12:57 PM EDT reply actions
Is the rule for "up-and-coming-heavyweights"
that the opponent has to be either over forty years old
or at least fifty pounds overweight?
Povetkin moves like someone who should at least be 7’ 5", so I don’t think much of him, when I think of him at all.
On the other hand, I know Boswell only through a fight 3 years ago against someone named Greenberg, and that lasted about 1 1/2 drink (of white wine , by the way). so I have no idea what what Boswell can do now.
I think Povetkin is really bad, though. I’ll go with Boswell, just because.
Alex is the real poster-boy for everything that’s wrong with the HW class. Fuck all this noise about the K brothers or David Haye or Chagaev or even Nicky Valuev. Povetkin has been hiding behind his “potential” forever. I’m not exactly a fan of Wlad K, but you better believe that if Wlad and Povetkin ever met, I’d be rooting for the Wlad to decapitate the Reluctant Ruskie and kick a fieldgoal with his head over the Brandenberg Gates.
Bad Left Hook
"My God, kids today think that the laces are for tying up the gloves."
-- Fritzie Zivic
Povetkin is in his early 30s and had hundreds of amateur fights
I never understood what Teddy thought he could teach the guy that he hadn’t had ample opportunity to absorb by this point.
Then I think Teddy got over there, Povetkin didn’t make the expected improvements, and now we have this directionless career trajectory. Meanwhile, they passed on the Klitschko shot and at this pace when the hell is it ever going to come around again?
Most people don't know shit about boxing. At all. Period. - Roger Mayweather
by The Kittitas Kid on Oct 26, 2011 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions
if Wlad and Povetkin ever met, I’d be rooting for the Wlad to decapitate the Reluctant Ruskie and kick a fieldgoal with his head over the Brandenberg Gates.
Wow. I especially like the “Nicky” Valuev reference. Also the “Reluctant Ruskie” and the reverse-Haye decapitation.
Although I don’t agree with your assessment of the Klitschkos, I certainly do agree with your general evaluation.
I didn’t give any assessment of the K’s.
Bad Left Hook
"My God, kids today think that the laces are for tying up the gloves."
-- Fritzie Zivic
I don't get the animosity against Povetkin
But, either way, I’m rooting for the Boz.
I don’t get the animosity against Povetkin
He literally ducked out of signed fights with Klitschko. Twice. It’s not like how “Paul Williams was ducked” or anyone else was “ducked.” Povetkin signed to fight, there were press conferences, venues booked, TV dates booked, and he bailed. Twice. It doesn’t look good on him. Neither does his run with Teddy Atlas, where he’s basically gone into hiding and even fought a suspended fighter in a non-sanctioned barn brawl in Pennsylvania. It’s ridiculous. He feels like a guy who’s half-in, half-out.
Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."
by Scott Christ on Oct 26, 2011 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
People can dog on RJJ and the like for not knowing when to stop, but not knowing when to start yr career is even dumber. Hes in his 30’s and has done absolute ziltch notable, even in a weak in depth division.
I dont get why he continues to fight, it obvs isnt for money in which case he would fight a Klit, and it clearly isnt for a legacy unless hes delusional and thinks guys like Boswell and Chagaev are elite level.
by Shitali Klitschko on Oct 26, 2011 8:53 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
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