By Alexey Sukachev

On May 30, former WBA heavyweight champion and currently WBA #5 rated contender Alexander Povetkin (26-1, 18 KOs) will make his much anticipated return to the ring at the Luzhniki Arena in Moscow, Russia. Opposing Povetkin will be a familiar figure – WBC #7 ranked Manuel Charr (26-1, 15 KOs), a Germany-based Syrian fighter, who has already fought…and lost in Moscow to Vitali Klitschko in September 2012. The fight will be contested for a vacant WBC International title.

One fighter, who is familiar with both is Russian veteran Denis Bakhtov (37-9, 25 KOs). Bakhtov was stopped by Charr on an injury in five rounds back in October 2013 after delivering some heat of his own. Today, Bakhtov is Povetkin’s sparring partner, helping him to get in better shape for the Charr fight.

“Alexander is absolutely the favorite. We are training together, so I’m well aware of what I’m speaking about. Povetkin will definitely defeat Charr. He will stop him in three or four rounds," said Bakhtov to ITAR-TASS media agency.

“I severely injured my arm while fighting with Charr. I was forced to retire in the corner for good. Had I continued boxing, it could very well have been the last bout of my career. As for Charr, he lacks power, strength and courage. He wants to be seen as an aggressor, which he is not. Charr is an actor. He likes showboating and bravado too much”, continued Bakhtov. “As for me, I might take part on that show but it hasn’t been solidified yet”.