Heavyweight champ Wladimir Klitschko is still fighting on Sept. 11 in Germany, but his opponent will no longer be undefeated Alexander Povetkin. Povetkin's promoters wanted him to take the fight, which would have resulted in a career-high payday of $2,078,250. However, Povetkin's trainer, Teddy Atlas, didn't think his fighter was ready to face Klitschko and apparently convinced Povetkin to pass on the title shot. Teddy undoubtedly has his fighter's best interest in mind but the 2004 Olympic Gold medalist is 30 years old. If he doesn't believe he's ready now, will he ever have the confidence required to be a champ?
Instead, Klitschko will give Samuel Peter a rematch. Peter has done nothing recently to merit a title shot but he did knock Klitschko down three times in their 2005 meeting (but still lost a unanimous decision because he lost every round in which he did not knock Klitschko down). After back-to-back losses to Vitali Klitschko and Eddie Chambers, Peter has won four straight ... but the wins have come against incredibly weak competition.
As much as Peter is no longer a particularly appealing opponent, he may have been the best available, so credit to Klitschko for keeping the date. David Haye and Nicolay Valuev don't appear genuinely interested in fighting Klitschko. Tomasz Adamek might have jumped at the opportunity if he didn't already have an Aug. 21 date scheduled with Michael Grant. Other veterans with recognizable names - Evander Holyfield, David Tua, Shannon Briggs and Hasim Rahman - have done even less than Peter recently to merit a title shot. So goes the heavyweight division.
Comments
You tell em Teddy!
What about arreola? Atleast he fights legit opponents. Let him fight.
Teddy Atlas is one of the best trainers around, as well as perhaps the best qualified ringside announcer. He is also one of the most careful guys with the lives of the kids he trains. If he sees a shortcoming in his fighter, one that might not just hurt his chances for victory, but also pose a threat to his health, Teddy will speak up. Far better to wait, possibly have a tune up beld and strengthen his chances of being competitive. Good for Teddy and good for his fighter, who listened.
David Haye talks a good talk but doesn’t seem genuinely interested in fighting either of the Klitchko brothers. I think he’s running a yellow streak.
If Teddy Atlas says it’s safe to surf this beach, it’s safe to search this beach.
Seriously, Mr. Atlas has credibility with virtually everyone involved in the sport. His judgment is based on solely what’s best for his fighter. I wish we had more like Teddy in the game.
john k has said it all.
Teddy is smart, look what happened to Tyson after he fired him!!! Cooney could have been a shareholder of the heavyweight if he fought the “other”champ but his trainers went after the BIGGGG Bucks & took on Holmes, and look what happened!