On November 4th, Kazan, Russia, some of the country’s finest boxers will be trading leather for fight fans. There are a few holes to pick, sure, but all in all, this is a card not be scoffed at. Heavyweights Alexander Povetkin and Mariusz Wach will top the bill, which should promise fireworks.
Povetkin (29-1, 21 KO) is Deontay Wilder’s mandatory WBC challenger, and will be looking to seal victory here to remain in contention for a title shot in early 2016. Povetkin blasted out Heavyweight prospect Michael Perez in the 1st round back in May. Wach (31-1, 17 KO) may not possess the smarts and TNT potency of Povetkin, but he’s proved to be a strong, highly durable fighter. Oh, and he’s a giant at 6′ 7.5″.
Both men have sole losses to Wladimir Klitschko, Povetkin via Unanimous Decision in 2013, and Wach via the same method in 2012. If your nose is still turned up at this match-up, just consider some of the duller alternatives Povetkin could have faced…
Povetkin-Wach Undercard
Povetkin-Wach has a rather stellar undercard. WBA Cruiserweight champ Denis Lebedev (27-2, 20 KO) will face Lateef Kayode (21-0, 16 KO) in what looks to be possibly the most competitive fight on the card. Kayode is a quality operator who is still undefeated, but will be in with a fighter capable of taking out serious lumps. And Lebedev definitely posses the firepower to do that.
In the bout prior, Rakim Chakhiev (23-1, 18 KO), a 2008 Gold Medalist, will be trading leather with Ola Afolabi (21-4-4, 10 KO). Chakhiev is the favorite, but will be squaring off against a capable veteran of the Cruiserweight division, without doubt.
A lot of boxing fans – more so of the diehard variety – will be looking forward to seeing one fighter in particular: mammoth puncher Dmitry Kudryashov (18-0, 18 KO). The guy has no opponent set at this moment – but with a 100% KO ratio, does it matter? His followers will tune in even if that opponent turns out to be a washing machine.
In terms of confirmed pugilists, that’s all there is to know at this stage. But what a bill Povetkin-Wach is shaping up to be. Will you be watching? And if not – explain yourself!
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