Still reeling from numerous failed drug tests that have prevented him from challenging for any world titles, WBO International heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin looks to have another fight before the year ends.
While the fight is not yet official, Povetkin and his representatives are in deep negotiations with WBO European heavyweight champion Christian Hammer. If the fight ends up being a reality, it will likely take place on December 15 in Yekaterinburg, Russia. World of Boxing, who promotes Povetkin, set aside the date for a card headlined by Povetkin.
This will be Povetkin's second fight of the year. He last fought in July, winning a unanimous decision over Andriy Rudenko. Povetkin last fought in Yekaterinburg last December when he fought Johann Duhaupas. Duhaupas was a last-minute substitution after Bermane Stiverne withdrew from the fight after it was revealed that Povetkin failed a drug test. That fight was for a vacant WBC heavyweight title.
Povetkin was given the green light by the WBA and WBO to challenge for their international titles earlier this year, but hasn't been considered for a world title fight. Povetkin also failed a drug test last year before an upcoming fight against Deontay Wilder.
Hammer has won his last five fights since losing to Tyson Fury in 2015 when Hammer challenged for the WBO International title. Hammer won both of his fights this year against Zine Eddine Benmakhlouf and David Price.
