Action from the first Samuel Peter (left)- Wladimir Klitschko (right) fight

It seems like Wladimir Klitschko 54-3 (48) will now take on the Nigerian Samuel Peter 34-3 (27)  in his next defence of his heavyweight belts after the champions camp complained to the IBF that they believed Alexander Povetkin 19-0 (14) did not want the fight.

After Povetkin did not arrive at this weeks press conference due to an alleged sinus problem, the Klitschko camp have moved fast. Klitschko’s manager Bernd Boente said the following:
“They (Team povetkin)  were told beforehand that they had to be at the press conference to help promote the event. That was their obligation after the purse bid.”

Wladimir himself was upset and stated that it was the only time in his career that an opponent had failed to arrive for a press conference and he mocked the cardboard cut out of Povetkin that was on the stand during the press conference.

It seems that after discussion between the Klitschko camp and the IBF, that the IBF gave its permission for the Klitschko camp to make the fight with the next available contender. As Povetkin has been number one contender for nearly two years, Sam Peter is number two hence this bout.

Much has been made about the training of Povetkin by trainer Teddy Atlas. Although Povetkin fought tough opposition early in his career, since the American has come in his opposition standards have lowered and Atlas seems to want to further Povetkin’s education before a title shot.

Atlas told ESPN.com today- “I think he deserves the chance to develop. I’m in the middle of training this kid, which is obviously an important time in his life for the future of his career. I’m doing my job. I am not moved by the title fight and what the biggest fight is out there.”

“My job is to do the best job I can for the fighter and to make sure he is the best he can be when he’s in a situation to fight, whether to fight Klitschko, Samuel Peter, Adamek or Joe Shmoe. I am not controlled or dictated by anything other than that. I told him from the beginning I wanted more time. I was never really for the fight right now. Let me have more time with him. Does the mandatory dictate when he fights or do the circumstances of him having the best chance to win the fight?”

“I get 10 percent of Povetkin‘s purse, but I decided the most important thing was to do what was the best for the fighter. My judgment was is the fighter ready for this moment? My opinion was more time would be good.”

This is all well and good but what happens if Povetkin now happens to lose a bout and a title shot and a huge payday is lost?

As for Peter, well he has already fought Wladimir. That took place back in 2005 and Wladimir won a tight unanimous decision despite Peter knocking him down three times. Since then Peter won the WBC heavyweight title but was beaten badly and stopped by Vitali Klitschko who was coming off a three year retirement in defence of it.

Another loss followed to Eddie Chambers on points but Peter has won his last four by stoppage against undemanding opposition.

1. Wladimir Klitschko: “Haye-Harrison just a London title fight”
2. Wladimir Klitschko vs Sam Peter II
3. Wladimir Klitschko – Alexander Povetkin is on
4. Povetkin confirmed as Wladimir Klitschko’s next opponent
5. Povetkin Aiming To Send Klitschko A Message Against Mora