Alexander Povetkin prefers Olympic to professional competition
Alexander Povetkin, a top rated heavyweight prospect, has indicated he would like to compete at the Summer Olympics.
The development has drawn out comparisons with amateur fighters, the best of whom usually compete at world games.
In an interview with Life Sports, Povetkin (20-0, 15 KOs) said he would like to go back to the unpaid ranks if he could, to represent his country a second time at the upcoming games.
“Surely, if there’s any chance for it, I’ll gladly participate in [the] Summer Olympics once again and I’ll try to get another gold medal for my country,” Povetkin exclaimed. “Of course, it’s only possible if national head coach Nikolay Khromov needs my
assistance. I’ll have to prove that I’m better than existing Russian heavyweights. They are great boxers and nice persons as well”.
Povetkin won the gold medal in the heavyweight category at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, a feat hitherto unrecorded in Russian history. Since then he has established himself as a top heavyweight but has landed criticism of late for refusing to sign on for
any meaningful fights.
Up until recently, The Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA) disallowed professional fighters from participating in Olympic or other amateur competitions. However, a recent announcement proposing a tournament involving professionals who made their
debut after 2008 sparked Povetkin’s interest.
Some months ago Povetkin was scheduled for a high-profile heavyweight title fight with Wladimir Klitschko, but pulled out with trainer Teddy Atlas saying Povetkin was not yet prepared for the world-class bout.
Atlas justified the surprising withdrawal by saying: “Let's look at the achievements of Wladimir [Klitschko]. It took him 37 matches to win the title. Sasha has only had 19 fights. I want him to gain experience. It's my duty. He has the title of Olympic
champion and the talent. Our task is to build experience. We must learn to work under pressure, exactly work out an entire 12 rounds, and to understand what you're doing in the ring.”
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