Alexander Povetkin vowed he was "full of respect" for Chris Byrd as the two heavyweights tuned up for their IBF eliminator in Erfurt on Saturday night. The 2004 Olympic gold medal winner today revealed how Byrd was among his boyhood idols but warned he won´t let it show in the ring. "I have the utmost of respect for Chris Byrd," Povetkin said at the official press conference. "He used to be one of my idols when I was younger. It was always my goal to get a picture with him - and now I have to fight against him. I am convinced I will win."

The 28-year-old, unbeaten in 13 fights (10 KOs), and his American opponent are just two wins away from earning the right to challenge IBF champion Wladimir Klitschko. But Povetkin claimed he hasn´t wasted a single thought about the potential showdown. "All my focus is on the fight against Byrd. I want to beat him first. It might well be the toughest fight of my career. I can think about Klitschko later."

Ex-champion Byrd believes his experience from 44 fights (40 wins, 21 KOs) will make the difference. "I like Povetkin as a person, but it´s something different in the ring," he stated. "We both have the same goal and that is to win. I am much more experienced than he is. I have gone the full distance so many times. I am in great shape and certainly fancy my chances."

Coach Joe Byrd shared his son´s optimism but admitted the 37-year-old will be in for a difficult challenge. "I know from my time with the amateurs how difficult it is to beat fighters from the former Soviet Union," he said. "But we´re ready. We have prepared ourselves as if it was a world title fight." Povetkin´s coach Valeri Belov also acknowledged the accomplishments of Byrd. "We have a lot of respect for him," he revealed. "Yet Alexander is determined to win. He will do everything possible to leave the ring as the winner."