Exclusive Interview: Alexander Povetkin

By G. Leon

11/12/2007

Exclusive Interview: Alexander Povetkin

Q: Can you give us some thoughts on your upcoming fight with Eddie Chambers? "I have started my preparation for this difficult fight. Eddie Chambers has won all 30 of his professional fights and that certainly means something. I believe it will be a tough fight for both of us."

Q: What do you think of Chambers as a fighter? What did you think of his performance against Brock?

AP: I think it was a well-balanced fight, but Chambers was sharper and it was the right decision to give him the win.

Q: Do you think this fight will go the distance?

AP: In boxing you can never make any predictions. I cannot tell you when the fight will be over. I can only hope that the answer I give you on the 26th of January will not disappoint you.

Q: Do you think his style will make this a tougher fight than Chris Byrd was?

AP: They are very, very different fighters from A to Z: different experience, different style, different motivation, different stance. So I cannot really compare them now. Neither would I like to compare them afterwards.

Q: Who do you like in Klitschko-Ibragimov?

AP: In fact, I like their idea to unify the titles. They are both very worthy boxers.

Q: Are you confident that the winner of your fight with Chambers will face the Klitschko-Ibragimov winner before WBO mandatory Anthony Thompson?

AP: I will start to think about this after the fight with Chambers. Now all of my attention is on the fight against Chambers.

Q: What you feel you need to improve on as a fighter?

AP: After each fight I carefully watch the tape with my trainer Valery Belov. We analyse mistakes and try to erase them.

Q: Do you ever plan on fighting in America?

AP: Of course I am thinking about it. So many great boxing fights were held in the U.S. If I have such a chance, I will be glad to perform in America.

Q: How do you feel about the IBF ordered box-off? Do you feel it's a good thing for the heavyweight division?

AP: I find it a very good idea. It comes just at the right time for me. I really appreciate that I was invited to participate in this tournament and I would like to say thanks to the
IBF officials for it.

Q: Is there anything you'd like to say to the fans in closing?

AP: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your families!

M

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