Alexander Vladimirovich Povetkin, born on September 2, 1979, in Kurk, Russia, is a professional Russian boxer active from 2005 up to 2021. Povetkin was the WBA (Regular), heavyweight titleholder, from 2011 to 2013 and held the WBC interim heavyweight title from 2020 to 2021. After a fruitful amateur career in kickboxing that includes winning the World Junior title for 1997, the World title two years after, and the 2020’s European expert kickboxing title, Povetkin won his first main boxing competition in the 2000 Russian Championships at the age of 21.
This would be the start of a few significant novice competitions Povetkin would proceed to win. Among those victories were the Good Will Games in Brisbane, Australia in 2001, the 34th European Championship in 2002, and the XII World Championship in 2003 in Thailand. He also won gold medals as an amateur boxer at the 2002 and 2004 European Championships’ super-heavyweight division and the 2003 World Championships. His success as an amateur culminated in winning the gold medal at super-heavyweight boxing during the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, against Egyptian boxer Mohamed Aly. After Povetkin took the Olympic Gold, he finished his career as an amateur with a 125–7 record, avenging all his losses.
| Born | 2 Sep 1979 |
| Nationality |
Russian Federation
|
| Nickname | Sasha, White Lion, Russian Vityaz |
After becoming a professional in 2005, he won his fight against Ruslan Chagaev to get the vacant WBA regular title in 2011. In 2013, Alexander Povetkin challenged Wladimir Klitschko for the WBO, WBA (Super), The Ring, IBO, and IBF titles, enduring his first loss as a professional boxer by unanimous decision. Povetkin battled with numerous boxers throughout his career, one of which is another unified champion Anthony Joshua for the WBO, WBA (Super), IBF, and IBO titles in 2018. Povetkin experienced a seventh-round TKO misfortune, one of three losses in his entire career.
On June 13, 2021, Povetkin announced his retirement. At the age of 41, he had cited that the reason for his retirement is his health, particularly that he has many injuries that require necessary treatment. According to the boxer, the long years have caused his body many damages. The boxer added that the right time has indeed come for him to end his boxing career.
Every boxer will undoubtedly retire at a certain age, but many fans and supporters were still surprised by his announcement. Alexander Povetkin’s boxing career ended, but his legacy lives on. His awards and recognitions echo what he had accomplished as a talented and multi-awarded boxer.
Career Summary:
- Total fights: 40
- Wins: 36
- Wins by knockout: 25
- Loses: 3
