The winner of the fight will go on to become mandatory for the current green and gold belt holder Deontay Wilder.
In a statement released on Tuesday, The World Boxing Council confirmed details surrounding the fight, which takes place the week before Christmas in Povetkin’s home country.
“World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman confirms the WBC Interim heavyweight title fight between Bermane Stiverne and Alexander Povetkin will be on December 17 in Russia.
“The agreement was reached after some months of negotiations that… finally came to fruition.
“This fight will be a memorable encounter that will close a great boxing year, propelling its victor, directly into the path of WBC world champion Deontay Wilder, for a clash, when he’s recovered from the injuries he suffered during his successful title defense against Chris Arreola.”
Povetkin’s promoter Andriy Ryabinsky has previously claimed victory in the purse bid stakes with Don King, giving his fighter a distinct advantage in a battle of former world champions.
Future opponent Wilder is set to be back in action in March 2017, although may be afforded another voluntary in order to tune-up for what will be a big test later in the year.
