Alexander Povetkin (15-0, 11 KOs) claimed he is taking one step at a time ahead of this weekend´s fight against Taurus Sykes. The 2004 Olympic gold medal winner faces “The Bull” in his home city of Chekhov, Russia on Saturday night. If Povetkin defeats his American opponent, he will be in for a showdown with IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko. Povetkin became the IBF´s mandatory challenger in January after defeating Chris Byrd and Eddie Chambers in a four-way elimination tournament. However, right now his full focus is on Saturday´s meeting with Sykes. “There is a lot at stake for me,” Povetkin said at today´s press conference at the ITAR-TASS offices in Moscow. “I need to win to get the Klitschko fight. And I will allow nobody to take that away from me. A victory over Sykes is all that matters to me now.”

Povetkin revealed how much he is looking forward to the appearance in front of his home fans in Chekhov. “The whole preparation here has been a lot of fun. It is great to fight in front of my local fans in the Olympic Sports Palace. Fighting here is like a dream coming true for me.”The White Lion stated he will not take Sykes lightly. “I watched the tape of Sykes´ fight against Hasim Rahman,” he said. “He is a tough opponent and very uncomfortable to box.” Sykes (25-4, 7 KOs) is eager to make something happen himself. “I am happy to be here,” he stated. “But I am not just filling the void ahead of the Klitschko fight. I came here to win. And I am very confident I will do just that.”