Russian boxer Aleksandr Povetkin says he is nearing peak condition ahead of this month’s showdown with Taurus Sykes – a bout which will give the winner a shot at the world heavyweight title.
The ‘Russian Knight’ Povetkin faces the ‘Bull’ from New York on July 19.

Victory would set up the chance to take the world heavyweight title currently held by Ukraine’s Wladimir Klitschko.

Povetkin has become a living legend to countless Russian fight fans. But will he live up to their expectations come July 19? He knows that if he slips-up, his IBF title dreams would be seriously damaged.

“I feel normal, getting into the rhythm. I think I'll be in top form on the day of the fight. I still get tired easily, but I'll get over it. It wouldn't be good if I was in top form today,” he said.

Most boxers can only dream of having the kind of professional support enjoyed by Povetkin. His sparring partners include well known boxers like Larry ‘The Legend’ Donald, Jameel McCline and Kevin Johnson.

The ‘Thunder From Down Under’, also known as Kostya Tszyu, is also planning to be in Povetkin's corner on the day of the fight.

READ MORE - Russian Knight getting ready to rumble

__________________
War between Russia and Georgia orchestrated from USA

READ MORE -- http://english.pravda.ru/hotspots/co...ssia_georgia-0

It should be a decent fight, but I doubt it will draw any real attention. On a side note, who do you think is #1 P4P in the world right now? Mayweather dosent count b/c he retired (again). My vote goes to either Manny Packman or Kelly Pavlik. Pavlik is looking (*)(*)(*)(*) good, 34-0 with 30 KO's, and he just whipped Lockett.

Ricky 'the hitman' hatton is best P4P since Mayweather's retirement. IMO.

You really think so? Mayweather walked all over him, KOing him and many believe hes not the best in the world at Light Welterweight or Welterweight. Hes built his massive wins up on much lesser competition. You have him ranked ahead of Cotto? Hatton has a fight coming up with Paulie Malignaggi for the IBF belt soon, that should be a good test to see if he can get a belt back. Malignaggi's only loss was to Cotto. Hatton is good but no way in a P4P can I personally rank him ahead of Pavlik or Pacquiao.

The ref. was pathetic - he wrapped Mayweather in cotton-wool, and never allowed any of Hatton's 'roughing-up' techniques.

Its a man's sport - if it were refereed in the UK Hatton would have toppled Mayweather in the 10th.

Roughing up techniques? You meen holding and punching? Lets get something straight, the ref had nothing to do with Hatton losing that fight. Did the ref give a unfair advantage to Mayweather when Hatton got blasted twice and Ko'ed? Was it the refs fault they had Mayweather dominating the fight on the scorecards? And what about the 10th round makes you think Hatton would have Ko'ed Mayweather?

People dont pay 50 bucks for a PPV to see Hattons "Hug and Punch". They want a boxing match, and thats what they got. You are actually the first person I have talked to that thought the ref unfairly gave a advantage to Mayweather.

Reguardless of that outcome, most still don't even have Hatton #1 in his weightclass, let alone in the world P4P.

You must have been watching a different fight. Hatton is a different "gravy" to Mayweather and his biased referee that wouldn't allow any close action, Hatton was prevented from bulling Mayweather agaist the ropes and was prevented from making it a physical fight.

The ref. was constantly intervening to protect Mayweather.

Hello, kronikcope.
I never heard of boxer Kelly Pavlik. So I have a question about his last name. Is it his given ("original") name?
In Russian Pavlik (Павлик) is a male name. It's short from Pavel (Павел).

Thanks.

__________________
War between Russia and Georgia orchestrated from USA

READ MORE -- http://english.pravda.ru/hotspots/co...ssia_georgia-0

Russian boxer Aleksandr Povetkin says he is nearing peak condition ahead of this month’s showdown with Taurus Sykes – a bout which will give the winner a shot at the world heavyweight title.
The ‘Russian Knight’ Povetkin faces the ‘Bull’ from New York on July 19.

READ MORE - Russian Knight getting ready to rumble




Taurus Jabbar Sykes, (born May 20, 1975) is a professional boxer. He has been fighting as a heavyweight, and has fought against several contenders, and currently holds a record of 24-3-1.

Sykes who hails from Brooklyn is nicknamed "The Bull", due to his first name turned pro in 1998. He lost his 13th fight to unbeaten Owen Beck but that remained his only blemish on his record for a while in that he beat the likes of Israel Garcia (record 10-0), Charles Hatcher (15-2), Talmadge Griffis (21-1-3) and Sherman Williams to climb up the ladder. He drew with former Cruiser title holder Imamu Mayfield then beat Jovo Pudar (21-1) and even fringe contender Friday Ahunanya (20-2-1) in 2005. His only problem was his lack of power as only 7 of his first 25 wins have come the short route.
Undefeated KO artist Samuel Peter was the first to knock him out but lightly regarded southpaw Derek Bryant (18-4-1) also scored a TKO effectively ending any hopes of becoming a contender.

Former two-time heavyweight champ Hasim Rahman beat him in a 10-round decision.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taurus_Sykes

__________________
War between Russia and Georgia orchestrated from USA

READ MORE -- http://english.pravda.ru/hotspots/co...ssia_georgia-0

I assure you I was watching the same fight. I think it is you that saw something different. You even said

Lets rewatch the 10th, shall we


Now what exactly did the ref have to do with Hatton getting KO'ed? He broke the fighters TWICE in round 10, the first time when Hatton came in with his head a waste level and raised up, which is a automatic break (to prevent head clashes) and the second was a legit break when Hatton was trying to work UNDERHOOKS. This is boxing not wrestling. Hatton never even had Mayweather close to being in trouble. You need to rewatch the fight, because every one I saw talk about the fight had no problem with the ref. I dont even remember Hatton complaining.