Klitschko says he’ll do whatever it takes to beat Povetkin
MOSCOW, Russia (AP) — Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko is confident that he will put an end to Alexander Povetkin’s undefeated record when he defends his WBA and IBF belts against the Russian at the Olympic Stadium tomorrow.
After open training sessions in front of numerous media on Wednesday, Klitschko (60-3, 51 KO) said he came to Moscow to win any way he could.
“That’s what I will do on October 5,” Klitschko said. “Believe me, I will do everything for my victory.”
However, Klitschko made it clear he would not underestimate Povetkin.
“He hasn’t lost or drawn a fight and was never knocked down,” Klitschko said. “So, I think the night will be a complicated one — for those who will watch, as well as for Alexander and me. Each sportsman has his chance and each of us will try to capitalise on it. How, we will see it.”
Povetkin (26-0, 18KO) avoided sending the usual pre-bout banter, and said he was just preparing for the fight.
“There’s no need for extra words,” the Russian said. “I could have said that I would bury him or something like this. But you will see it on Saturday.”
The WBA heavyweight belt became vacant when Klitschko was elevated to “super champion” status in 2011 after beating David Haye. Povetkin became the mandatory challenger for Klitschko when he beat American Hasim Rahman last September.
A sell-out crowd of 14,000 is expected to attend.