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Klitschko vs Maskaev Bout Almost a Reality
Ukrainian comebacking ex-champ Vital Klitschko has confirmed that an agreement on the fight with WBC Heavyweight Champion Oleg Maskaev is most likely to be reached within a few days. The bout is due to take place in Moscow. The date is not clear as WBO champ Shannon Briggs also plans to defend his title against Sultan Ibragimov in the Russian capital in early June.
Vitali Klitschko told a news conference talks over the WBC heavyweight championship fight against the belt-holder Oleg Maskaev of Russia may come to a successful end very soon. “I can’t say now with a 100-percent certainty that the match will take place,” Vitali Klitscho told reporters. “But I hope that all the contracts will be signed within a few days. The Ukrainian added that Moscow is the likeliest venue for the bout.
Vitali Klitschko left boxing in 2005 after a knee injury. The Ukrainian retired undefeated keeping the WBC honorary championship which would enable him to challenge the new WBC champion if he decided to return. However, by the time Klitschko announced his comeback, the WBC had already picked the next contender, Nigeria’s Samuel Peter. The challenger and his team said they would insist on a championship fight with Maskaev. The WBC then left it to the boxers and their promoters to settle the dispute.
Vitali Klitschko announced Thursday that his promoters had reached a verbal agreement with Peter which would be soon signed into an agreement. The Ukrainian heavyweight legend admitted that “a very high” step-aside fee proved to be decisive in the talks. Unofficial sources report that the Nigerian’s promoters agreed to receive $2.5 million to give up claims for a championship fight.
Meanwhile, the Maskaev vs Klitschko match may be in jeopardy because of its venue. Vitali Klitschko said Thursday that the bout is likely to be held on June 2, which is the date for the WBO heavyweight championship bout between Shannon Briggs and Russia’s Sultan Ibragimov. The match is also to be held in Moscow. Promoters doubt that two landmark fights like these could be held on one day in the same city.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of Mar. 16, 2007
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