By Alexey Sukachev

Former WBC heavyweight champion Oleg Maskaev talked to TASS media agency about Alexander Povetkin’s recent success and his chances against Deontay Wilder as well as a rematch with Wladimir Klitschko.

WBC #1 Povetkin (29-1, 21 KOs) is coming off an impressive first-round TKO over Mike Perez in the WBC final eliminator, while Wilder (34-0, 33 KOs), the reigning champion, has just stopped unheralded Eric Molina in nine, not-so-one-sided rounds.

“This [Povetkin vs. Wilder] will be an interesting fight. Alexander is riding high and going up quickly now”, said Maskaev to TASS. “His recent bout with the Cuban was especially impressive. He looked good against (Carlos) Takam too. Wilder is a puncher, but defense is his soft spot. Sasha can use it [to get a knockout] – specifically in early rounds”.

Maskaev also commented on possibility of a rematch between Wladimir Klitschko and Povetkin, following a disastrous clash (for the Russian) in the fall of 2013.

“The rematch will take place. Klitschko can’t be the champion forever. The first fight was tough, that loss still “burns” in Alexander. He needs a rematch to fix it. Sasha is of the championship material. As for a possible place, Kiev isn’t okay for that. The pressure will be extremely high there, and Povetkin should avoid fighting in Kiev," said Maskaev.