Former heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev believes that his compatriot Alexander Povetkin (32-1, 23 KOs) is still able to become a world champion, but he may not be allowed to enter the title fight due to doping scandals.
"Heavyweight champions are more age-related boxers than in other weight classes. And I'm sure that Sasha Povetkin will still be able to enter the title fight. And he will come out to him. But Alexander now has to go a few battles with good rivals - in order to rise in the ranking. It seems that his case is exactly when promoters of rivals can blow up the situation with doping scandals. And the likelihood that Povetkin title fight will be held in Russia, is extremely small,” Valuev said.
“Anthony Joshua is very good, and I would like to see his fight with Deontay Wilder. And I also believe that Sasha can easily enter the title fight with Joshua. But for Alexander the problem is his height in comparison with Joshua. But I always believed in Sasha and I will always do," added Valuev.
