Epix Picks Up Povetkin vs Chagaev, Helenius vs Liakhovich Doubleheader

Epix and EpixHD.com have again stepped in to pick up a notable overseas fight, as the premium network will be carrying a live broadcast and live stream of the August 27 heavyweight double-header in Germany.

In the main event, undefeated Russian Alexander Povetkin (21-0, 15 KO) and Ruslan Chagaev (27-1-1, 17 KO) will battle for the WBA's vacant regular title. Wladimir Klitschko picked up the WBA belt from David Haye on July 2, and since Klitschko holds two of the other major titles, he was immediately elevated to "super champion." Also it allows the WBA to make more money from more fighters. Povetkin will be receiving the first major title shot of his career with this fight, after twice pulling out of dates with Wladimir in the past. Chagaev has beaten Kali Meehan and Travis Walker since losing badly to Klitschko in June 2009, but hasn't been particularly impressive in either bout.

The other fight on the bill pits up-and-coming Robert Helenius (15-0, 10 KO) and veteran Sergei Liakhovich (25-3, 16 KO). Liakhovich is a former titlist whose career has basically been at a standstill since losing back-to-back fights to Shannon Briggs and Nikolai Valuev in 2006 and 2008, while Helenius is coming off of a knockout of former titleholder Samuel Peter.