Povetkin Bout in Baltimore Off Because of Legal Wranglings!

The promoters of IBF number one ranked heavyweight Alexander Povetkin has blocked the proposed bout on Friday, October 16 at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore. The bout is officially off.

BATB has obatained a copy of a letter sent by the law firm representing Sauerland Event Promotions. The letter claims that Sauerland is the exclusive promoter for Povetkin. The letter is directed primarily at well-known promoter and manager Don Elbaum, who, according to the document, told the IBF that he represented Povetkin, a claim Sauerland denies. Baltimore Boxing promoter Jake Smith is only mentioned in the letter as the promoter of record for the October 16 card.

"Sauerland has not authorized Mr. Elbaum to represent the company in any way and it will not pay for, nor will it permit Mr. Povetkin to box in the tune-up bout," the document said.

The letter goes on to say that the IBF wants Povetkin to fight for an interim IBF title (since champion Wladimir Klitschko has not signed for a bout with Povetkin) in his next bout or IBF will not enforce Povetkin's right to fight for the world title until 2011.

"If the interim title opportunity is lost, Sauerland and Povetkin will suffer over one million dollars in lost profits that will never be recouped," the letter said.

Sources say there is a slight chance that Povetkin may appear on the card in an exhibition bout, but that seems very doubtful since Elbaum has been threatened with a lawsuit if he proceeds with Povetkin without Sauerland's consent.