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Following May wins that were even easier than expected for both men, it now appears as though Wladimir Klitschko and Alexander Povetkin will finally clash on October 5 in Moscow. Povetkin's manager Vladimir Hryunov -- who won the fight at purse bid for an enormous $23 million sum --stated today that "everything is set."
Povetkin (26-0, 18 KO) ran over Andrzej Wawrzyk earlier today in Moscow, while Klitschko (60-3, 51 KO) routinely dominated Francesco Pianeta on May 4, winning in the sixth round of a totally one-sided affair.
As mentioned earlier, Povetkin, 33, is the last properly ready, fresh challenge for the Klitschko brothers, save perhaps for Vitali's new mandatory challenger, Bermane Stiverne, or Kubrat Pulev. Povetkin is experienced, has the impressive amateur background, and is no doubt about as talented as heavyweights get these days past the big brothers. With fighters like David Haye and Tomasz Adamek having already been dispatched in one-sided fashion, and guys like Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder likely not quite finished and ready for the big stage, Povetkin could be the "last best hope" to dethrone Wladimir and/or Vitali.
Povetkin has twice pulled out of scheduled fights with Klitschko, once in 2008 and again in 2010. In 2008, he came down with an injury, was replaced by an ancient Hasim Rahman, and eventually lost his mandatory IBF position. In 2010, he pulled out late and was replaced by Ruslan Chagaev.