I spoke with Teddy Atlas earlier today, he re-affirmed that regardless of what is being said or written, his deal with WBA heavyweight belt-holder, Alexander Povetkin, is clear in that when he has his duties calling fights for ESPN2, Povetkin will train in the United States. During his off-time with the network, Atlas goes to Russia- as he did back in the fall.

And it doesn’t look like Atlas is budging. So unless Povetkin comes to the States, he will be with a new trainer as he faces Marco Huck on Feb. 25th.

- Speaking of Povetkin-Huck, promoter Greg Cohen told me that a deal has been struck for Hasim Rahman to step-aside for this fight and be guaranteed the winner of this fight next.