MARIUSZ WACH SPARRED WITH ALEXANDER POVETKIN

Undefeated heavyweight contenders Mariusz Wach and Alexander Povetkin met in a boxing ring Tuesday afternoon – not in a sold-out arena in Europe with millions of dollars at stake – but in an empty boxing gym to prepare each other for their upcoming bouts.

Wach, 24-0 (12 KO), of North Bergen, NJ by way of Krakow, Poland and Povetkin, 21-0 (15 KO) of Russia, sparred a number of rounds at the Middletown Boxing Club in New Jersey under the watchful eyes of their trainers.

Wach, who is promoted by Global Boxing, is guided by Juan De Leon, while Povetkin, a number two ranked heavyweight by the WBA and 2004 Olympic Gol medalist, is trained by the legendary Teddy Atlas.

“It was a great honor to spar with Povetkin,” said Wach, who will face an opponent to be named on July 29 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.

“Povetkin is a strong fighter with good power, but this helped affirm my belief that I can contend with the best boxers in the world. I believe I will be the heavyweight champion of the world soon, and working with good fighters like Povetkin will get me there.”