Povetkin -575 vs. Chagaev
Unbeaten Alexander Povetkin is heavily favored on Saturday against Ruslan Chagaev. Povetkin has won 15 of his 21 fights by knockout and could be in line for a shot at one of the Klitschko brothers if he is able to win this bout against Chagaev. Povetkin was scheduled to face Wladimir Klitschko twice in the past but he had to pull out of both scheduled fights. “I have great respect for my opponent, but I will win,” said Povetkin. “First the title, then the Klitschkos! I’ve always dreamed of a fight against Wladimir Klitschko.”
Chagaev is 27-1-1 in his career with 17 knockouts. He would like another title shot against Wladimir but he will have to win this bout against Povetkin to get a chance. He is coming off wins last year against Travis Walker and Kali Meehan so perhaps he is capable of a big effort against Povetkin.
Helenius -1300 vs. Liakhovich
Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” is a huge favorite in boxing betting on Saturday against Sergei “The White Wolf” Liakhovich. Not many people are giving Liakhovich any chance in this bout even though he is 25-3 in his career with 16 knockouts. Liakhovich looked to be on the rise after a win against Lamon Brewster in 2006 but he lost to Shannon Briggs later that year and has not done much since. He still has confidence though heading into Saturday’s fight. “My experience is a huge advantage in this fight,” Liakhovich says. “I have been to war and back several times in my boxing career. There is no substitute for experience.”
Helenius is considered a rising star in the heavyweight ranks. He is 15-0 in his career with 10 knockouts. He beat former WBC heavyweight champ Sam Peter last time out. Helenius has respect for Liakhovich but is also very confident. “He is a very accomplished fighter who boasts a great deal of experience, but I have also been in the ring with former champions. The fights against Peter and Brewster have given me a lot of confidence. I am eager to notch another important victory on Saturday night.”
