Alexander Povetkin vs Manuel Charr

This Friday night will see Alexander Povetkin 26-1 (18) face up against Manuel Charr 26-1 (15) in Luzhniki Arena Moscow.

The pressure is on for both fighters, because the winner will take the WBC International Heavyweight title, currently held by Bermane Stiverne.

The question on many people’s minds is, is Povetkin ready after his pounding from Wladimir Klitschko and it’s a well-known fact that very few fighters defeated by Klitschko ever return to glory.

But let’s not forget that prior to this, he won 26 fights in a row, 18 by knockout.

In the other corner, Charr is currently ranked #6 by the WBC and the only defeat that he has ever taken was by Vitali Klitschko, Wladimirs brother.

Povetkin’s coach, Ivan Kirpa, said they have worked out a certain scheme of how to use Charr’s vulnerabilities to help Alexander Povetkin take the win.

At Monday’s press conference, both fighters expressed their determination to win.

Povetkin commented that he takes his hat off to Charr for coming to face him in the ring and that he is a good boxer but that he has no chance against his quality.

Despite all the bantering and stats, the bookies are favoring Povetkin 1/6 and offering Charr at 7/2 with a draw pulling 25/1.