Chagaev, 36, was defeated by Povetkin in 2011 for the vacant WBA belt he currently holds, and once The Russian and Wilder collide in their mandatory, ‘The White Tyson’ hopes to arrange a second meeting for two championships.
“This will be a very good fight if it happens,” Chagaev exclusively told World Boxing News.
“I know from personal experience that Povetkin is very good – although I was not in shape when we fought and I hope that we will have a rematch at some point so I can show that I can beat him.
“Although he has always been on a very high level I think that he even improved in the last year. He looked very good in his last fights. Maybe the loss against Klitschko was an extra motivation for him.
“Wilder is strong, too. He will have to use his height and reach advantage if he wants to have a chance against Povetkin. But Povetkin is used to fighting and beating taller guys. I would pick Povetkin, but this fight could go either way.”
Wilder recently defeated Eric Molina in the first defence of his title, although Chagaev wasn’t impressive by the American’s performance.
“I don’t think that Molina is an outstanding contender so this win was nothing too special and didn’t really impress me. Wilder is a good boxer, powerful and technically skilled. But I think he should face better opponents.”
One opponent Wilder has been linked to is Briton Tyson Fury who is currently mandatory to Wladimir Klitschko and Chagaev says that would be a fight ‘The Bronze Bomber’ can win if it ever comes off.
“Tyson Fury is dangerous because of his size and funny style, but Wilder is very tall, too. Wilder is also technically the better boxer and has that one punch power – so I would favour Wilder,” said Chagaev.
