The heavyweight clash between Alexander Povetkin and Mike Perez to see who will be next up for a shot at Deontay Wilder’s WBC title will be shown in the UK on BoxNation on May 22.
The pair meet at Luzhniki Arena in Moscow as they compete in a final eliminator for a chance to fight for the WBC green belt which was captured by the flashy and charismatic Wilder earlier this year when he overcame the brave Bermane Stiverne.
Povetkin and Perez, rated number one and two respectively by the WBC, are two of the very best heavyweights around and share only a single defeat each on their records, with 35-year-old Povetkin’s coming against the legendary Wladimir Klitschko two years ago.
Now though, having accumulated 28 wins in 29 fights, 20 from knockout, the sturdy Povetkin will be fighting in front of his home fans as he takes on the well schooled Cork based Cuban Perez who has 21 victories, with his one loss a narrow split decision to Bryant Jennings.
Wilder is expected to fight this summer and should he come through unscathed it would set up an intriguing battle with either man later this year.
The heavyweight division has been on the rise of late with an injection of talented new blood who are eager to put an end to the past decade of Klitschko brother dominance.
Following the retirement of older sibling Vitali, who held the WBC belt, Wladimir is still flying the flag but is set to face British heavyweight sensation Tyson Fury next up.
In other action on the Povetkin-Perez card, WBC cruiserweight champion Grigory Drozd (39-1, 27 KOs) will be facing former champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (49-3, 35 KOs), with the two having met last September in a fight which Drozd won on points.
Other bouts include 2008 Olympic gold medalist Rakhim Chakhkiev (22-1, 17 KOs) against Mirko Larghetto (22-1-0, 14 KOs) and fearsome knockout artist Dmitry Kudryashov (17-0, 17 KOs) is up against fellow cruiserweight Vikapita Meroro (28-4, 14 KOs).
Also, former heavyweight title challengers Manuel Charr (27-3, 16 KOs) and Alex Leapai (30-6-3, 24 KOs) clash in a crossroads contest.
