Deontay Wilder to defend world heavyweight title in Russia

Promoter Andrey Ryabinsky has said that the WBC heavyweight title showdown between Deontay Wilder and Alexander Povetkin will be staged in Russia.

Ryabinsky, who represents Povetkin, won a purse bid last month but there had been suggestion that the bout could take place in New York.

However, while acknowledging that an American venue was a possibility, he has suggested that he and Povetkin have turned down more money for the contest to be held in Russia.

Ryabinsky told East Side Boxing: "I had a few options - to make a ton of money, or to create a comfortable environment for Alexander.

"The choice was easy, I picked the second option. The fight will be in Russia. We will be very happy to extend a warm welcome to Deontay Wilder and his team.

"I don't know who will come out victorious but I want to be sure that I did everything that I could. Everything else depends on Alex."

An arena or stadium in Moscow is expected to stage the fight, although no date has been agreed.