The winner of their highly anticipated clash will be the interim champion and mandatory challenger to current WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.
Currently ranked #2 by the WBC, Stiverne is deep in training at his home gym in Las Vegas, the Mayweather Boxing Club under the watchful eye of longtime trainer Don House.
“I feel great, this fight has been in the making for a while so I’ve been here training at home,” said the Haitian-born Stiverne.
“I’ve got a great opportunity with this fight to get back what I had. Deontay Wilder has my belt, he beat me on my worst night. All I want is the chance to win the world title again and Mauricio and the WBC say I have to go through Alexander Povetkin and that’s what I’m going to do on December 17.
“I’ve watched a few of Povetkin’s fight’s, he’s similar in size to Chris Arreola but also very skilled from his deep amateur background, solid puncher but not the tightest
defense.”
Most recently Stiverne won a 10-round unanimous decision over Derric Rossy on November 14, 2015 in Las Vegas.
“I’m always training so the time off isn’t a concern of mine,” said Stiverne. “I’ve fought everywhere and a ring is a ring, no issue at all going to Russia. I’ll be well prepared for victory over Povetkin on December 17th and then it’s onto Wilder.”
