I think the fight between PEDPovetkin and Stiverne might not happen due to an excuse from Russia. In a recent interview, PEDPovetkin didn't seem like his heart was beating as fast and his nerves were frayed. He had a ultra high opinion of Stiverne's capabilities and just about said that he'd rather not fight him. I found this odd, since Povetkin might be able to go the distance with Stiverne, but would surely end up in the back of an ambulance against Wilder. Weird!
Povetkin never failed the test. He was within limits of legal amount trace of Meldonium. Stiverne is garbage, would not be surprised if Povetkin knocks him out. Something wilder couldn't do
Do you have a source ? Of course Sasha would rather have the fight with Wilder. who wouldn't ? Stiverne is a stay busy kinda fight. A dangerous one. Cuz Stiverne wont be lazy this time around and he'll train as hard as possible.
What on earth from Stiverne does Povetkin have to fear? He won't be his most powerful opponent faced, or the fastest, or the most durable, or the most skilled, or the physically strongest...in fact he's some distance behind a good number of past opponents for Povetkin in all those categories.