Alexander Povetkin-Bermane Stiverne heavyweight bout likely headed to Russia after purse bid

Alexander Povetkin and Bermane Stiverne will clash for the vacant WBC interim heavyweight title, and it looks like the Russian will enjoy home-field advantage.

Russian billionaire Andrey Ryabinski, who promotes Povetkin under the World of Boxing banner, won Friday's purse bid in New York with an offer of $3,165,000.

Don King, who handles Stiverne, came in second with a bid of $2,100,000.

Ryabinski now controls the particulars of the fight - ring size, location, date - and it's probably the bout will land in Russia.

The fight was ordered by the WBC after champion Deontay Wilder injured his right hand and biceps during a July knockout of Chris Arreola. Wilder underwent surgery and will be back next year.

In the meantime, Povetkin and Stiverne - who dropped the WBC title to Wilder via wide decision in January 2015 - will battle for the chance to earn a shot Wilder.

Povetkin and Wilder were slated to meet in May, but the Russian tested positive for meldonium, scrapping the fight.

(Photo of Povetkin by AP Photo/Gero Breloer)