PRESS RELEASE: Alexander Povetkin and Chris Byrd have arrived in Erfurt. The two heavyweights will kick off the IBF elimination tournament with their highly-anticipated showdown on Saturday night. Byrd hit German soil on Sunday. After flying into Frankfurt International Airport, he was transferred to Erfurt where he used the afternoon to rest from the long journey and recover from the jet lag.

Shortly after Byrd checked in, Povetkin also arrived. For the past couple of weeks the 2004 Olympic gold medal winner has been working out in Sauerland´s Max-Schmeling-Gym in Berlin. Accompanied by coach Valeri Belov, brother Vladimir and translator Anna, he travelled to Erfurt by car. It took them three hours. "I am in great shape," Povetkin stated. "I am well prepared for Chris Byrd. We had a good trip from Berlin to Erfurt and I am very optimistic for the fight." Both fighters have brought their own cooks with them, with Povetkin relying on Russian food. "It gives me the power I need against Byrd," he added.

Povetkin and Byrd will give the local fans a first taste of their class tomorrow during the official press training. Also working out will be Italy´s Simone Rotolo and his opponent, European middleweight champion Sebastian Sylvester, as well as former European super-middleweight titlist Mads Larsen.