From Fightnews.com

The World Boxing Council has decided by a majority vote to confirm Oleg Maskaev as the next challenger to WBC heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman. The free negotiations period begins today for the Rahman vs. Maskaev mandatory defense and if no agreement is reached, a purse offer will be held on May 1st in the WBC Executive Offices in Mexico City. Both fighters should agree that the winner of the Rahman vs. Maskaev fight must fight James Toney as voted by the Board of Governors.