Wladimir Klitschko can come. That’s what must have gone through the mind of
Alexander Povetkin on Friday night after he finished off Andrzej Wawrzyk
inside three rounds. It was obvious that the Pole was over his head from the
get go and was sent to the canvas on three occasions before the 33-year-old
Russian was declared the winner and still WBA Heavyweight Champion of the
world.
The defending champion started of slowly at the Crocus City Hall in
Myakinino, close to the Russian capital of Moscow. In front of the eyes of
Vitali Klitschko (current WBC Champion), former WBA Champion Nikolai Valuev
as well as American movie star Steven Seagal the Russian mainly dominated
with his jab. But from round two onwards, Povetkin did not hold back
anymore. The orthodox fighter started to dominate Wawrzyk, who wasn’t able
to take advantage of his superior height and reach. After pushing him into
the corner, the champion caught the Pole with a powerful right hook straight
to the chin, which sent the previously undefeated heavyweight crashing to
the floor. Still feeling the pain the 1.95 meter challenger managed to get
back to his feet and was later saved by the bell.
However, the Olympic gold medalist continued the third round exactly where
he left off with. This time it was a left hook by Povetkin which found the
target and once again the 25-year-old Pole found himself on the floor. Just
a few seconds later he was caught by another shot. This time referee Russell
Mora stopped the punishment for Wawrzyk and it was all over.
Povetkin was understandably happy about his 26th victory out of as many
professional fights. “Everything went exactly as I wanted it to,” said the
man form Chekhov, Russia. “It took a little bit of time to get into the
fight but once I got started it was pretty much over.”
The defending champion already knows what his upcoming challenge will look
like. The next time Povetkin steps into the ring he will be looking straight
into the eyes of Wladimir Klitschko, the reigning IBF Titleholder as well as
WBA and WBO Super Champion of the world. Staging the mega fight will be
Russian based Hrunov Promotions who won the purse bid by putting more than
23 Million US-Dollars on the table.
Wawrzyk on the other hand had to taste defeat for the very first time in his
career after 27 previous victories.
(Picture: Photo Wende)
