The Russian Alexander Povetkin seems very tense these days as he is training for his next big challenge. On July 14 at London’s Upton Park, home of West Ham United, he is going to fight the former WBC- and IBF-titleholder Hasim Rahman.

It will be the third title defense for the Chekhov-native. This time he will have to deal with the 39-year-old Rahman. Currently his preparations are taking place in his hometown near Moscow with the main focus for now is the weight room. From May 19 “Sasha” will leave for a two-weeks training camp in the Caucasian mountains, mainly to improve his fitness level.

Asked about his upcoming opponent, Povetkin (32) has a definite opinion: “Rahman possesses some great strength in his punch, otherwise he would not have been able to knock out the great Lennox Lewis”, said the Olympic super-heavyweight champion of Athens 2004. “To make sure that he is not able to pull off another upset, I take my preparations very serious.

Approached upon the subject of his last bout versus WBO cruiserweight champion Marco Huck he made the following statement: “Before I stepped into the ring with Huck I had to deal with some difficulties, which I do not wish to comment on further. Now with Alexander Zimin I have a coach inside my corner I can truly trust. That is something Rahman is going to feel when he is going to fight me.

If all the hard work and preparation will payoff can be seen on July 14 on BoxNation. There are still some tickets available at www.eventim.co.uk to experience the event live at Upton Park.