• Wladimir Klitschko v Alexander Povetkin

Klitschko fears Povetkin withdrawal

ESPN staff
July 15, 2013
Wladimir Klitschko has twice been let down by Alexander Povetkin in the past © AP
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Wladimir Klitschko has revealed his doubts over whether Alexander Povetkin will go ahead with their fight - despite confirmation of a bout between the pair taking place in October.

The WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight champion of the world will take to the ring against Povetkin on October 5 in Moscow, but Klitschko fears his Russian opponent may pull out of the fight once again.

"I'm careful when it comes Povetkin," Klitschko said to the Hamburg Morgenpost.

"In the past, we've twice agreed to fight and he pulled out. With Povetkin you never know what'll happen. He pays close attention to what others tell him. I hope his people tell him to fight."

Klitschko is set to put all of his titles on the line against a boxer who has yet to lose a fight during his career, but 'Dr Steelhammer' has no worries of tussling in the homeland of Povetkin.

"I'm not afraid of Moscow. I'm looking forward to boxing there for the first time. But it's true that Moscow is a hard, energetic city. You have to look at everything and be very attentive - and I will be," Klitschko said.

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