Povetkin out of title bout

MOSCOW – Russian Alexander Povetkin has pulled out of December’s title fight against Ukraine’s IBF and WBO champion Vladimir Klitschko with a foot injury.

“Alexander won’t need surgery but the fight is definitely off,” Povetkin’s manager was quoted as saying in Russian media referring to the December 13 bout in Mannheim, Germany. Povetkin, 29, has won all 16 of his fights, including 12 by knockout, since turning professional in 2005 after a successful amateur career that included winning the Olympic heavyweight gold medal at the 2004 Games in Athens.The 32-year-old Klitschko’s adviser, Shelly Finkel, said he would still fight on that date and their camp was busy finding a replacement.Russian media said former champions Russian Oleg Maskaev and American Hasim Rahman were among the candidates.Klitschko (51-3) and older brother Vitali became the first siblings to simultaneously hold versions of the world heavyweight title when the 37-year-old regained the WBC title earlier this month with victory over Samuel Peter.Nampa-ReutersPovetkin, 29, has won all 16 of his fights, including 12 by knockout, since turning professional in 2005 after a successful amateur career that included winning the Olympic heavyweight gold medal at the 2004 Games in Athens.The 32-year-old Klitschko’s adviser, Shelly Finkel, said he would still fight on that date and their camp was busy finding a replacement.Russian media said former champions Russian Oleg Maskaev and American Hasim Rahman were among the candidates.Klitschko (51-3) and older brother Vitali became the first siblings to simultaneously hold versions of the world heavyweight title when the 37-year-old regained the WBC title earlier this month with victory over Samuel Peter.Nampa-Reuters