By Ilya Buaevu

WBA "regular" heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin (24-0, 16 KOs) is set to make a mandatory defense against former two-time beltholder Hasim Rahman (50-7-2, 41 KOs). The fight is likely to take place in mid-July in Germany.

Povetkin's trainer, Alexander Zimin, likes the fight.

"For Alexander, Rahman is another step forward to prepare [him] for our main goal - to fight the best boxers in the world," Zimin said.

Povetkin struggled during February's controversial majority decision win over WBO crusierweight king Marco Huck. Zimin doesn't understand what happened, but he wants to correct several items before the Rahman meeting.

"Alexander still has more work to do. He should remove at least [eleven pounds] in excess weight and add more muscle mass. But I do not believe that is the main problem. He constantly tries to end the fight with one punch, often forgetting the rest [of his weapons]. That's something that I'll really have to work on.," Zimin said.

As far as the Klitschko brothers, Zimin feels Alexander will ready after taking on at least three capable challengers.

"I can't say for sure, but I think [he'll be ready in] at least three fights. These fights would have to be held with boxers whose level and style is comparable to the Klitschkos," Zimin said.

Ilya Buaevu covers boxing for Sportbox.ru