It's on the front page. This is very bad news. Maskaev hasn't done anything to show that he should be mandatory. He lost to Peter who lost to Klitschko: it's like the Audley Harrison beats Ali game played in reverse... I respect and like the guy (and picked him against Rahman), but this is just silly, to make Vitali face a mandatory opponent who hasn't earned it, within 120 days of facing a mandatory opponent who has. Does anyone know the reasoning on this? Do they just want sanctioning fees? I understand that they had to give JC Gomez his shot after he won several eliminators, but why Maskaev, why now, why???!?!?!?
the wbc is completely crazy!!!!! this fight will be so uncompetitive it's not even funny anymore. or maybe vitali will give up his belt and dodge this whole wbc-grotesqueness.
WBC is crazy here. First they enforce a mandatory against Gomez, ok I understand that after Vitali having been given emeritus status for 4 years, but to enforce another immediately mandatory bout within 4 months is ridiculous, even if it is an old past it Maskaev. Maskaev has done nothing to warrant a title shot since being beaten by Peter and Vitali should be entitled to a voluntary after the Gomez fight. I'd much rather see Vitali have the chance to go after Valuev/Chagaev's WBA strap or a fight with Herbie Haye, either of those would be more relevant in the heavyweight picture than a fight with the Big O.
Klit will gut him in 2 rounds. Stop putting those washed up bums again and again, get someone who is hungry for glory and money, someone who is willing to die for the win.
Good one,damon! As for Klitschko vs Maskaev I tend to think th at this point of his career Vitaly is the one who calls the shots and fights whoever he thinks is the right opponent for him at this stage of his career. On the other hand Maskaev may fit the mould because he has a known and reconisable name,is still a big man in Russia,may help to enhance his legacy back home in Ukraine(where hardly anyone cares whether he fights another one of those American bums or unknown African fighters),has a victory over Vitaly at the amateurs. Whats more Maskaev vs Vitaly will generate big money in Russia's capital Moscow,one of the richest cities on this planet. Furthermore Maskaev isnt really such a big threat to any elite fighter anymore.Well,the perfect opponent for an old and injury prone man like Vitaly,isnt he!
Agreed on Gomez. As for Maskeav I think boxing fans need to view this as a mandatory. Is Maskeav better than recent men who got title shots? I think he is better than Rhaman, Holyfield, Austin, Skelton, ..those guys.