I have seen alot of mixed reactions so far but I'm interested to see who's in the majority.

I voted who cares as long as the winner fights the other guy, I am eager to see vitali back in action though to see if he's slipped or if he's still there for the most part.

It should be Peter. Younger fighter, more potential and he's been winning fights while Vitali has been sitting on the sidelines. James Toney may be at the end of his career, but wins over Toney are still more impressive than any of Vitali's wins in my opinion.
Vitali's claim to fame is getting his face ripped open by an old, out of shape Lennox Lewis.

I voted Peter myself too. I mean, c'mon, he pays the sanctioning fees twice and more importantly, won twice over a very tough opponent in Toney.

I voted for Peter. I thought the Toney rematch was absurd so I am obviously sickend by the possibility of Dr. such-n-such stepping on Peter's back and climbing into the ring with Maskaev.

Who fights Maskaev first certainly makes a difference since Mr. Squarehead is a sitting duck for either opponent. If Vitali gets a crack at him then he goes into the Peter fight expecting the lion's share of the purse. Not only this but if it goes to the scorecards we may find that the titleholder was given the close rounds by the judges.

I hope to hell Peter can show one of those K2 jerks the way out.

Originally Posted by SweetPea

It should be Peter. Younger fighter, more potential and he's been winning fights while Vitali has been sitting on the sidelines. James Toney may be at the end of his career, but wins over Toney are still more impressive than any of Vitali's wins in my opinion.
Vitali's claim to fame is getting his face ripped open by an old, out of shape Lennox Lewis.

Like you more every day you post man, agreed 100% here.

Originally Posted by amat

Originally Posted by SweetPea

It should be Peter. Younger fighter, more potential and he's been winning fights while Vitali has been sitting on the sidelines. James Toney may be at the end of his career, but wins over Toney are still more impressive than any of Vitali's wins in my opinion.
Vitali's claim to fame is getting his face ripped open by an old, out of shape Lennox Lewis.

Like you more every day you post man, agreed 100% here.

No, who cares: if Peter gets to meet Vitaly or or Maskaev? Actually; even better if he meets Vitaly because if he loses that, then he wont be champ until the Klits retire 4 years from now.

I really voted Vitali by accident.. I assumed it was a who would win poll.... But having read further Peter definetly deserves his shot over Vitali... And not just that he deserves it, Vitali would be better off to take a tune up fight first.. What is this crap honestly Vitali supposedy retired because his injuries were too severe to retain is title, he had to withdraw within a week of his defence against Rahman(who was nowhere near as good as Peter is now) And now suddenly he's just coming back against Maskaev?? I don't get it... Even his fans should see that a couple easy fights would be a better option. He could wear off any rest, and besides that make sure he is at full capacity and isn't going to injure easily again. AND, most importantly, if he does that then a fight with Peter once he has become legitimate champ vs Maskaev would be MUCH bigger. Honestly, and I MAY be going out on a limb here, but I don't think a KLit vs Maskaev fight in Moscow would mean a whole lot becase Maskaev isn't thought of by anybody as dominant, he didn't win a belt legitimately or linearly, and has been KTFO by several simply average fighters. Let Peter KO Maskaev, let Vitali work his way back to contention, it's not as if either are unlikely.... And when that does happen, Peter would be a much more sigjnifigant fight imo. The only way I could possibly be in favour of this decision is if Peter get's an immediate shot at Vitali SOON after Maskaev... Because honestly Olgeg won't even give Vitali trouble in a million years.

Originally Posted by plinden

Originally Posted by amat

Originally Posted by SweetPea

It should be Peter. Younger fighter, more potential and he's been winning fights while Vitali has been sitting on the sidelines. James Toney may be at the end of his career, but wins over Toney are still more impressive than any of Vitali's wins in my opinion.
Vitali's claim to fame is getting his face ripped open by an old, out of shape Lennox Lewis.

Like you more every day you post man, agreed 100% here.

No, who cares: if Peter gets to meet Vitaly or or Maskaev? Actually; even better if he meets Vitaly because if he loses that, then he wont be champ until the Klits retire 4 years from now.

Who cares? Peter cares. He's the one who's given up 10% of 2 straight purses to face Maskaev. Meanwhile, the lasting impression Vitali left us with was pulling out of a fight with Rahman for the THIRD time, just a few days before the fight. Vitali is an old flake, while Peter is the guy who has EARNED his shot. Let Vitali climb he ladder the same way Peter did when Peter lost to Wlad.

Originally Posted by amat

Originally Posted by plinden

Originally Posted by amat

Originally Posted by SweetPea

It should be Peter. Younger fighter, more potential and he's been winning fights while Vitali has been sitting on the sidelines. James Toney may be at the end of his career, but wins over Toney are still more impressive than any of Vitali's wins in my opinion.
Vitali's claim to fame is getting his face ripped open by an old, out of shape Lennox Lewis.

Like you more every day you post man, agreed 100% here.

No, who cares: if Peter gets to meet Vitaly or or Maskaev? Actually; even better if he meets Vitaly because if he loses that, then he wont be champ until the Klits retire 4 years from now.

Who cares? Peter cares. He's the one who's given up 10% of 2 straight purses to face Maskaev. Meanwhile, the lasting impression Vitali left us with was pulling out of a fight with Rahman for the THIRD time, just a few days before the fight. Vitali is an old flake, while Peter is the guy who has EARNED his shot. Let Vitali climb he ladder the same way Peter did when Peter lost to Wlad.

Exactly. , Amat

Originally Posted by BoxingGorilla

I voted for Peter. I thought the Toney rematch was absurd so I am obviously sickend by the possibility of Dr. such-n-such stepping on Peter's back and climbing into the ring with Maskaev.

Who fights Maskaev first certainly makes a difference since Mr. Squarehead is a sitting duck for either opponent. If Vitali gets a crack at him then he goes into the Peter fight expecting the lion's share of the purse. Not only this but if it goes to the scorecards we may find that the titleholder was given the close rounds by the judges.

I hope to hell Peter can show one of those K2 jerks the way out.

CC...best point I've read so far.

Good posts on this thread. Lotsa

I voted Peter - there's really no question. A tuneup fight would be a great idea for Vitali, just to gauge the working condition of his previous injuries. The truly bad scenario is that Vitali returns, beats Maskaev, and then either retires or reinjures himself. Then the title scene gets even blurrier, and the division sinks even further.

Peter's shown his durability and has paid his dues to get that shot. Vitali should definitely be in the picture if he wants to return, no doubt - I personally think he has the goods to smack around just about everyone in the division, if he's healthy - but stepping in on the shot that Peter's earned is bad form for him, IMO.

...although I'm sure he wouldn't lose any sleep over what I think

There is a big difference on who deserves a shot at Maskaev right now and who acording to the rules of being WBC World Champion Emeritus.It grants Vitali the right to become the immediate WBC mandatory official challenger if someday he would wish to come back to professional boxing.

I think Peter has more than earned his right to fight Maskaev and would like to see it take place.I think Vitali will help gain intrest back to the division but actually I believe it takes away from what Wladimir is trying to acomplish.I would like to hear what Wladimir has to say on the whole situation.

Originally Posted by Klitschkofan

There is a big difference on who deserves a shot at Maskaev right now and who acording to the rules of being WBC World Champion Emeritus.It grants Vitali the right to become the immediate WBC mandatory official challenger if someday he would wish to come back to professional boxing.

I think Peter has more than earned his right to fight Maskaev and would like to see it take place.I think Vitali will help gain intrest back to the division but actually I believe it takes away from what Wladimir is trying to acomplish.I would like to hear what Wladimir has to say on the whole situation.

So if Vitali came back say in 2025 would he be the next manditory challanger? How long does this bulls1t last for?

All Wlad is trying to accomplish is to avoid being KO'd into a coma.

If we are being fair- Peter deserves the shot

But

If I had to choose, I would go with Vitali, due to my own personal bias.