Challenger Alexander Povetkin failed to show up for the first press conference ahead of his bout with IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko.Russian Povetkin is the mandatory IBF challenger and scheduled to fight Klitschko on September 11.
However there is concern in the Ukrainian's camp that the bout is in danger, with the no-show in Frankfurt coming after Povetkin pulled out of the original title challenge in 2008 with a leg injury.
"If Povetkin misses this chance, he will have no one to blame but himself," Klitschko said.
Povetkin, undefeated at 19-0-0 (14), was unable to fly from his training base in Atlantic City due to a nasal problem.
"We regret that Povetkin was unable to attend the press conference. He was suspended from flying planes for the week," said Chris Meyer, executive manager of Sauerland Events, who represent the boxer.
"But his training is on schedule. We will be ready for this fight."
Klitschko's manager Bernd Bente believes that the IBF will nominate No.2 challenger Samuel Peter to fight his man on the September card, should Povetkin withdraw.
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