MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. Russian heavyweight boxer Alexander Povetkin told TASS on Saturday that talks failed, but would continue on his mandatory bout with WBC belt holder Deontay Wilder of the United States.

"Talks failed, there will be trade negotiations," Povetkin, also known as ‘Russian Vityaz’ (30-1, 22 KOs), said in an interview with TASS.

In an interview with The Ring magazine earlier in the month, Wilder (36-0, 35 KOs) said he was ready to defend his champion’s belt and welcomed Povetkin’s attempt.

"I got Alexander Povetkin lined up," Wilder was quoted as saying by the magazine. "That’s what I know of right now. I want to get Povetkin out of the way."