At the end of 2012, the WBA ordered unified heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko to fight it's "Regular" beltholder Alexander Povetkin no later than 24 February 2013,[1] but the two sides failed reach an agreement.[2] Klitschko was permitted a voluntary title defence in the meantime.[3][4] After stopping WBO 7th ranked heavyweight (WBA 12th) Francesco Pianeta in May, it was agreed that Klitschko and Povetkin would meet in October.
They had been originally scheduled to face off in December 2008 as an IBF mandatory defence, however an ankle injury for Povetkin saw him be replaced by Hasim Rahman.[5] They were again set fight in September 2010, however Povetkin withdrew obstinately with a sinus problem.[6]
The fight
Klitschko dominated the bout, scoring a knockdown in round two from a quick left hook, and three knockdowns in round seven, including one from a straight right hand. All three judges scored it 119–104 on the scorecards.[7][8][9] Klitschko landed 139 of 417 punches (33%) and Povetkin connected on 59 of 283 (21%).[10]
Aftermath
This bout is one of only two occasions where the WBA "Regular" heavyweight champion has challenged the "Super champion, the other being when Oleksandr Usykknocked outDaniel Dubois in August 2023.
Povetkin would have one more shot at a world title againstAnthony Joshua in September 2018.