According to sources, despite the fact that an opponent has yet to be solidified, IBF & WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko will indeed return to the ring this September. While many were hoping that a title unification with WBA heavyweight champion David Haye would come to fruition, we're told that fight will not take place due to Haye preferring to spend time with his pregnant wife. Klitschko was also in negotiations with his IBF mandatory challenger, Alexander Povetkin. That bout, however, also appears to be in jeopardy due to Povetkin's demand for WADA random drug testing procedures, a request that has been denied by the champion.
Because Klitschko is the reigning champion and there is no requirement by the IBF for additional testing procedures, Povetkin would forfeit his opportunity to fight for the title should he decide to stand firm on his demands, allowing Klitschko to fight the next available contender. Tired of the reluctance of both Povetkin and Haye to commit to a future bout, Klitschko is beginning to make plans to move forward without them, a source close to the information has informed us. Who his opponent will be remains to be seen, however, former heavyweight champion Samuel Peter, is currently ranked #2 by the IBF.
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