Number 1 rated heavyweight contender in the world Alexander Povetkin is set to start the training camp on 14th March for his next fight, which will happen on 22nd May against Mike Perez in Moscow. Povetkin has also given an interview for the Ukrainian website, talking about the youth development. The WBC mandatory challenger position will be at stake for the Povetkin vs. Perez fight, with the current WBC titlist Wilder being obligated to fight the winner. The venue wasn't mentioned, but I'm almost positive that it's the same venue where Povetkin had his 2 fights - Luzhniki Palace of Sports (arena capacity is about 12000).
Povetkin is in the best shape of his career... I expect the fight will be competitive early, but Povetkin will take over in the middle rounds and KO Perez late.
Most people had Povetkin vs. Takam a close fight until the knockdown and eventuall stoppage. The judges had it pretty much the same, so Takam received a very fair treatment. So far there's no history of judges/ref helping Povetkin in Moscow, so it's to be expected that Perez receives a fair treatment as well.
