By Ryan Burton

Beating Alexander Povetkin (30-1) and capturing the WBC interim heavyweight title is the only thing on Bermane Stiverne's mind. 

The former champion travels to Povetkin's backyard to face him on December 17th. Stiverne previously captured the vacant WBC title in 2014 when he stopped Chris Arreola.

However his title reign was short lived. In his first defense he lost his belt to Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas. Stiverne (25-2-1, 21KOs) admits that he wasn't in the best shape for the fight and wants to get another crack at the Alabaman. The winner of the bout with Povtekin will become the mandatory challenger to Wilder's title.

"[Wilder] is my goal but he is not on my mind right now. I am going to take care of Povetkin and then I am going to take care of the fake champions," said Stiverne who is less than impressed with Wilder's selection of opponents.

In other heavyweight action, the vacant WBO title is up for grabs this Saturday in New Zealand and Stiverne is leaning towards Joseph Parker (21-0) to come out victorious against Andy Ruiz (29-0) in their battle of unbeatens.

"I like Parker. Parker is more athletic.  I like him to win the fight. Ruiz is more stationary. He is dangerous but I am going with Parker because he has more tools and I work with him too," Stiverne told BoxingScene.com.

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