Povetkin can be Russia's best heavyweight

by Steve Bunce , 04 April 2009

Alexander Povetkin had a bit of ring-rust as he'd been out for nine months but let's give it a bit of context.

He took care of Eddie Chambers, providing Chambers's first defeat and he fought Samuel Peter in his last fight. That was a fight so bad they didn't bother with a photographer at ringside. They had an Italian geezer with a chisel and a slab of marble. That's the kind of pace these guys were moving at.

Chambers is now looking at a world title fight. Had Povetkin not been injured whilst on a run, he'd have fought Wladimir Klitschko. Sauerland should find that twig he tripped over and kiss it.

It has saved Povetkin's career.

There's no hurry - he's a young 29-year-old heavyweight - if he was a featherweight he'd be 21, if you know what I'm saying.

They knew Estrada is not a dangerous opponent but Povetkin could very well be the best-ever Russian heavyweight. With regard to amateur titles, he is the best Russian heavyweight and he may go on to the best Russian heavyweight yet.

I like what he does. Sure he was rusty and a bit heavier but he's a powerful man, a big 6ft 2ins, who throws big shots.

I still like Povetkin, he's got two fights and 18 months so there's no hurry. He doesn't have to fight these other guys just yet.

I'm told his injury was terrible back in November or December. He may not have started training until February.

He was throwing left hooks like Joe Frazier, he's from Kursk, how the hell is he throwing left hooks like Frazier?

This guy is doing it. He's a talent and I think he's 18 months away from being a top-notch fighter.

Buncey was speaking as part of Setanta's post-fight show.


Setanta Sports broadcasts exclusively live coverage of the best premium sport including England home internationals and away 2010 World Cup qualifiers, the FA Cup, Magners League rugby, IPL Twenty20 Cricket, the best boxing from both sides of the Atlantic and US PGA Tour Golf.

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