Team Povetkin: Wladimir Klitschko negotiations can begin after Wlad's next fight

Alexander Povetkin's manager Vladimir Hryunov says that their team is ready to begin negotiations with Wladimir Klitschko after Klitschko's November 10 fight against Mariusz Wach. Povetkin beat Hasim Rahman in a heavily-criticized mismatch on Saturday.

"It all depends on the outcome of Wladimir's fight to make this happen. Remember that Wach is undefeated. Yesterday fans in the hall saw that Povetkin is ready. He has the skills and he can deliver a precise tactical plan to win."

It's impossible for anyone in a position where they can be honest to give Povetkin (25-0, 17 KO) any real credit for his win over a dilapidated version of Rahman, but it's time for him to fight a Klitschko if he plans to ever do that. He can't wait until they're too old and broken down -- he's done that with enough guys already.

Povetkin has twice bailed on signed Klitschko fights in 2008 and 2009, but at 33, he's not getting any younger, and his respect level has probably hit a low with the Rahman sham. It's past time for him to take this risk. Whether or not Hryunov and the rest of his team are serious remains to be seen, but yesterday, Klitschko already said he didn't expect Povetkin to seriously pursue a fight.