Alexander Povetkin: The talented Russian was expected to accomplish big things from the time he was an amateur, when he won the super heavyweight gold medal in 2004 Olympics in Athens. He took his biggest step yet toward realizing his potential at 31 on Saturday, when he defeated Ruslan Chagaev ? a former legitimate titleholder — by a clear decision to win what the WBA calls its ?regular? heavyweight title in Erfurt, Germany. Povetkin, fighting with trainer Teddy Atlas in his corner, demonstrated in a difficult fight not only his skills but the toughness and fighting spirit he?ll need if he hopes to win a real heavyweight title. Can he beat a Klitschko? Not anytime soon. However, he proved on Saturday that he can compete with the Hayes and the Adameks and the Arreolas and the Heleniuses, heavyweights who could lead the way in the post-Klitschko era. BIGGEST WINNER II
Robert Helenius: The 6-foot-6? Finn and Sergei Liakhovic fought on fairly even terms for about seven rounds on the Povetkin-Chagaev card, although Helenius seemed to outwork Liakhovich and apparently broke the Belorussian?s nose early in the fight. I kept thinking, though: ?When is the big guy going to assert himself?? That came with fury in the eighth round, when a series of vicious punches forced Liakhovich to take a knee. Then, in the ninth, a crippling left uppercut followed by five punches put a battered Liakhovich down again and ended the fight. It was the kind of knockout that takes your breath, the kind that leads you to think ?I must see that guy fight again.? Helenius doesn?t use his height nearly as well as the Klitschkos do but make no mistake: The man can punch, as he also proved against Lamon Brewster and Sam Peter. And, as one knowledgeable observer said after the fight: ?Helenius knows how to end a fight.? MOST-NATURAL MATCHUP
Povetkin-Helenius: The two heavyweights turned in good performances on the same card. They?re both in contention to fight one of the Klitschkos for a major title after their victories on Saturday. They?re both ranked by THE RING, Povetkin No. 3 and Helenius No. 9. They?re both European And they?re both promoted by Germany-based Sauerland event. If this isn?t a natural matchup, what is? Now, one could argue that they ? more likely Povetkin because of his experience ? should pursue a Klitschko now because of the lucrative payday. A loss, which would be likely in both cases, is a big setback, though. They might be wise to fight each other or another top-tier contender, make good (not great) money and gain the experience they would need to stand a chance against the Ukrainian titleholders. Plus, Povetkin-Helenius would be a compelling fight after what we saw on Saturday.
