Povetkin’s team won the purse bid held by the World Boxing Council last week by offering over $7 million – leaving the contest in the hands of the former WBA title holder’s ambitious promoter Andrey Ryabinsky.
After taking Povetkin’s last top division title shot against Wladimir Klitschko to Moscow with a whopping bid of $23 million, it was initially thought the Wilder bout would be heading the same way.
Maybe not so, says Wilder’s trainer and manager Deas, who believes the fight could wind up at the Barclays Center in New York City to give ‘The Bronze Bomber’ home advantage for his fourth WBC defense.
“Alexander Povetkin’s team made a strong bid and won and now they will now promote the fight. We think it will either land in Russia or New York, but I say New York because the owner of the Barclays Center is Russian and there’s a huge Russian population in New York,” Deas exclusively told World Boxing News.
“Also, the dollar is stronger than the ruble right now, and if Povetkin wants worldwide popularity then New York is ideal.
“Saying that, It doesn’t matter to Deontay as he is world champ and that obviously means fighting around the world. He’s competed in Puerto Rico, Mexico, England and the United States as a pro. As an amateur, he also competed in Russia, Argentina, China and other places so it’s nothing new to him.”
Asked whether any dates have been spoken about for the highly-anticipated encounter, Deas added: “We haven’t heard of any date yet, but expect to hear a confirmed location and date soon.”
Wilder, 30, recently fended off the challenge of Artur Szplika via a spectacular ninth round knockout, whilst Povetkin earned his chance by defeating Manuel Charr, Carlos Takam, Mike Perez and Mariusz Wach.
