By Alexey Sukachev

Moscow, Russia – Former WBA heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin (32-1, 23 KOs) of Russia returned for the first time since December, to win a twelve round unanimous decision over Andriy Rudenko (31-3, 19 KOs) of Ukraine to win the WBO International and WBA Continental heavyweight titles.

In what nearly became a very disappointing fight – in the very first round, Rudenko claimed that he was cuffed to the back of the neck when they were fighting on the inside, and he almost quit the fight.  He began complaining of a neck injury and was refusing to fight for nearly five minutes, but eventually agreed to box on.

Once the fight restarted, Povetkin’s advantage became visible. Rudenko was on the defensive in every round but he still managed to land some serious punches in middle rounds. Nevertheless, the Russian boxer was better in almost every department.

Rudenko was game enough to walk through pain and fatigue in later rounds as Povetkin applied some smart pressure and also started to use his body shots. The Ukrainian clinched it to the final bell despite being hurt and dazzled at the end.

The judges scored the contest 120-109, 120-108, 120-108.

www.boxingscene.com/povetkin-decisions-rudenko-gain-wba-wbo-regional-results–118087?print_friendly=1

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Alexander Povetkin is now heading down the WBO route

Former WBA Heavyweight Champion ALEXANDER POVETKIN, (31-1-0, 23 KO’s), is making every effort to become a world champion leading up to his July 1 fight with ANDRIY RUDENKO, (31-2-0, 19 KO’s), in Moscow, Russia for the WBO International Heavyweight Title.

Enrolled in the combat sports’ toughest year round drug testing program, VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association), Povetkin was recently informed that tests performed on May 15 and May 16 were reported with negative results.

“I look forward to being tested by VADA and competing at a world class level, I want to prove to everybody that I am a clean fighter and that I can become a world champion again,” said Povetkin. “Andriy Rudenko is a tough fighter and I’ll have to be at my best to be victorious.”

“Vada is recognized as the highest standard for doping control in boxing and I want to prove through my testing with them that I’m a clean fighter and will work hard towards my dream of becoming the heavyweight champion of the world once again.”

“I have never tried to avoid any of the testing that I have done in the past, and I personally signed up for the VADA Clean Boxing program and I will continue my participation in the program working towards my goal.”

www.boxingnewsonline.net/alexander-povetkin-sets-next-fight-and-gets-negative-drug-test-results/

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