Wladimir Klitschko Wants Alexander Povetkin
Press Release
Here is more information about today’s Wladimir Klitschko-Alexander Povetkin presser at Commerzbank-Arena in Frankfurt in which Povetkin was a no-show.
Team Klitschko was informed at midnight that Povetkin could not take the flight from New York due to a sinus inflammation. “I am very disappointed that Povetkin did not show up today,” said Wladimir. “For two weeks, we have tried to force him to come. He could have shown that he is ready to fight me. It’s the first time in my entire career that my opponent did not come to the press conference.”
Klitschko manager Bernd Bönte commented “Maybe, Povetkin just wants the $2 million from the purse bid but doesn’t think about fighting Wladimir.”
In any event, Klitschko will definitely defend his titles on September 11 in Frankfurt. “I didn’t chose Povetkin,” said Wlad. “He’s my mandatory IBF challenger. No matter who will be my opponent on September 11, I will knock him out.”
If Povetkin is unable to fight and the IBF takes away his mandatory challenger status, Samuel Peter is next in the IBF rankings.
The Commerzbank-Arena will have a capacity of 54,000 spectators. At the same place in 1966, Muhammad Ali beat German Karl Mildenberger in front of 45,000 spectators. Formerly the stadium was known as “Waldstadion.”
“I can still feel the spirit of Ali. It is great to step in the ring at the same place,” said the champion.
Ticket sales start July 20 at eventim.de