Promoter Andrey Ryabinsky has said that the WBC heavyweight title showdown between Deontay Wilder and Alexander Povetkin will be staged in Russia.

Ryabinsky, who represents Povetkin, won a purse bid last month but there had been suggestion that the bout could take place in New York.

However, while acknowledging that an American venue was a possibility, he has suggested that he and Povetkin have turned down more money for the contest to be held in Russia.

Ryabinsky told East Side Boxing: "I had a few options - to make a ton of money, or to create a comfortable environment for Alexander.

"The choice was easy, I picked the second option. The fight will be in Russia. We will be very happy to extend a warm welcome to Deontay Wilder and his team.

"I don't know who will come out victorious but I want to be sure that I did everything that I could. Everything else depends on Alex."

An arena or stadium in Moscow is expected to stage the fight, although no date has been agreed.