We all want to see former WBA heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin - 31-7, 17 KOs - collide with WBC champ Deontay Wilder. But first, Povetkin has to take care of business against Mariusz Wach - 29-1, 21 KOs in Russia. Currently, Povetkin is Wilder’s mandatory challenger, and Wach is a fantastic tune-up for Russian contender.
CURRENT ODDS
Check our online boxing odds for the latest money lines on each fighter, and expect Povetkin to be a massive favorite. I’m not even going to take a guess on what Povetkin’s money line will be, because this is basically a showcase fight for the guy before he gets to Wilder. In this 12-round bout, I’d expect the total to be set around 10.5 rounds. Prop bets are usually released on fight night, with live betting available after the bout begins.
LET’S GET THIS OUT OF THE WAY
Wach, 35, isn’t even in the top-15 in any of the major sanctioning bodies. In fact, he really hasn’t done anything since losing a lopsided decision to heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko in 2012. Since then, he’s beaten unknowns in Samir Kurtagic, Travis Walker, Gbenga Oluokun and Kostantin Airich.
What Wach has going for him is his size. For Povetkin, facing the 6’8” Wach is great prepration for his future matchup with the 6’7” Wilder. That’s where most of the similarities between the two end. Wach is nowhere near as powerful as Wilder, and lacks the impressive technique that the champion possesses.
Like Wach, Povetkin also got beat down by Klistchko in a one-sided unanimous decision. The 6’2” Povetkin simply had no answer for the taller fighter, and even when he got inside Wladimir simply tied him with clinches. In that 2013 fight, Povetkin was knocked down three times, and it was a miracle that he wasn’t knocked out entirle.
Since that 2013 loss, Povetkin has beaten Manuel Charr, Carlos Takam and Mike Perez. His two knockouts against Takam and Perez were impressive, considering both those guys are considered pretty good heavyweights. Unfortunately for Povetkin, considering Wach a step up in competition is a reach.
FIGHT ANALYSIS AND PICK
The only real question is whether Wach will be able to last through the entire fight. Although Povetkin isn’t really known as a power puncher, he will undoubtedly land a ton of punches on his less-skilled opponents. While Wach can end fights with a single punch, it’s highly unlikely he’ll be able to plant one clean enough to put Povetkin on the mat.
Let’s be real here, Povetkin is pretty much a sure bet. He’ll be expensive, but that’s the price you pay on a pick this easy. If you’re feeling lucky, pick him to come through on the under, which will be much more affordable than Povetkin outright to win.
HOW TO BET
Sign into BookMaker Sportsbook and get all the latest Alexander Povetkin vs. Mariusz Wach odds, including moneylines, totals and prop bets. The title bout takes place on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at the Basket-Hall Arena in Kazan, Russia. Check online for live streaming updates, as stateside coverage is unlikely.
Make sure to check in during fight night and get the latest live betting updates. You can bet on real-time odds during the bout, allowing you to hedge your bets or even make new ones as you watch on live television. And with multiple reliable payout options, collecting your earnings is always quick and easy.
