By John F. McKenna (McJack): Regular World Boxing Association (WBA) title holder Alexander “The White Lion” Povetkin (22-0, 15 KO’s) will make the 1st defense of his crown against Cedric Boswell (35-1, 26 KO’s) on December 3 at Helinski’s Hartwall Arena.

There had been speculation that Povetkin’s 1st defense would be against former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, but Alexander and his team decided to go with “The Boz” Boswell instead. The 32 year old Povetkin won an Olympic Gold Medal at Super heavyweight in 2004 representing Russia. Alexander is currently trained by American Teddy Atlas. Povetkin won his WBA crown in August when he won a unanimous decision over Rusian Chagaev. Povetkin is preparing for his fight with Boswell in his home city of Chekhov, Russia. He plans to take on only quality contenders in the defense of his crown.

Boswell has won 14 straight fights since his only loss against Jameel McCline. “The Boz”, who refers to Povetkin as a kid, feels that his advantage in experience in will carry him to victory on December 3.

In the co-featured main event, up and coming star 27 year old Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius (16-0, 11 KO’s) will take on an opponent who has yet to be announced. Helenius, who is 6’7” and weighs 240 pounds, is looked upon by many boxing fans as a possible future heavyweight champion. He has huge punching power and is one of the few heavyweight contenders who will not be intimidated by the size and reach of the Klitschko’s. Boxing insiders think that Helenius is only two or three fights away from challenging either one of the Klitshko’s.

Hellenius scored a 9th round TKO over former heavyweight champion Sergei Liakhovich in August in Munich, Germany. Prior to that victory Robert KO’d former World Boxing Council (WBC) champion Sam Peter in the 9th round last April, also in Germany.

German promoter Kalle Sauerland, who promoted the Povetkin – Chagaev, Hellenius –Liakhovich bouts in August will be promoting the December 3rd doubleheader as well.

Povetkin was slated to face heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko in 2009, but backed out after trainer Teddy Atlas made the determination that Alexander needed more seasoning before taking on Wladimir.

After Wladimir Klitschko’s one sided victory over David Haye in July, the World Boxing Association decided to elevate him to Super Heavyweight champion and declared the regular WBA title vacant. The vacancy opened the way for the title bout between Povetkin and Chagaev in August.