Promoter Dino Duva is responding sharply to rumors that former heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko has been considering a return to the ring that would involve stepping over his fighter, mandatory challenger Samuel Peter, to face current WBC boss Oleg Maskaev.
“From the standpoint of Vitali personally, I respect him and we wish him the best and if he comes back, we hope the injuries that forced his retirement are really healed, so that he may continue his career. However any thought or mention of him or anyone else trying to step in front of Samuel Peter’s path to the title is very dangerous legally and financially for anyone who goes there. We will not stand by and allow Samuel Peter’s rights to be violated.”
Duva says he’d like to issue the following message to all the relevant parties. “I hope they’re not even THINKING about trying to step over Samuel Peter, including Maskaev, Klitschko, the television networks, and the entire WBC. Samuel Peter has earned the right to a title shot. Vitali can wait in line. When Samuel Peter becomes champ, we’d be happy to give him the opportunity.”
Per the WBC’s rules, Peter earned the right to face Maskaev next by defeating James Toney in consecutive 12-round decisions. However, rumors have been circulating that the parties representing Maskaev have been trying to delay that obligation in favor of first one Klitschko, and now the other.
“If anyone tries to violate Samuel Peter’s rights, there will be a war and we will not stop until Samuel gets hi title fight.”
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