Russia’s Aleksandr Povetkin, who recently defeated Ruslan Chagaev for the WBA “regular” heavyweight title, says he is still adjusting to his new crown.
“I’m pretty calm and don’t feel like a world champion,” Povetkin said at a presser in Moscow. “I had a good and very important bout. I think I definitely got a lot of experience in that one. I think that this match will give me more confidence and increase my desire for future victories.”
The 32-year-old “Russian Knight” put his hands on the title, vacant after Wladimir Klitschko was declared WBA Super Champion, on August 27 after beating Chagaev on a unanimous decision by the judges.
“The only surprise Chagaev had in store for me was his good physical shape,” Povetkin said. “I saw some of his previous bouts and he always got tired throughout the fight, but in the match against me he looked very fresh till the end.”
Povetkin also commented on the possibility of his fighting 48-year-old boxing legend Evander Holyfield, who dreams of climbing to the boxing Olympus once again despite his age.
“On the one hand, Holyfield is an experienced fighter and I’ll be able to learn something from him anyway,” he said. “But at the same time, if I decide to box him, some will definitely say that I decided to fight an old man.”
The Russian says boxing is the only thing he is concentrated on, and one should not expect to see him in a mixed martial arts cage.
“I am a pure boxer,” he declared. “I never thought of taking up any other sport, which requires different techniques, such as wrestling. This is the same as going to the world championship in judo – it makes no sense.”
Povetkin remains undefeated in his 22 appearances in the ring, with 15 knockouts. Though he is hardly at the end of his career, he says he already knows what he is going to do after he hangs up his boxing gloves for the last time.
“I’d very much like to work with youngsters, kids, so that they grow up healthy, kind and strong, so that they have a conscience and honor,” he said. “That’s what concerns me.”