I think i read that Chagaev wanted an easy defense first, which is understandable considering everyone has done it and does it. But it sucks if it's true. Wlad has the potential to unify those damn titles but the fights need to be made.
There is definitely a window of opportunity for Klitschko-Chagaev, but like you said, Chagaev will have an easy title defense first and Wladimir will likely not fight until the winner emerges from the IBF tournament.
Everyone always claim they want to fight the best - but then they get one of those Alphabet Belts and start changing their minds. Wlad is the only one that wants to really unify - everyone else is full of ****.
yes this is a perfect opportunity. but no, chagaev (and/or manager) wants an easy defense first. personally, i think he's nuts for not taking the fight. 1. BIG PAYDAY GARANTEED. look at shannon briggs for example. a little slow on taking up wladimir's offer for unification and what happened? he's left with nothing after losing to arguably the weakest current beltholder out there in sultan. 2. NO SHAME IN LOSING TO WLADIMIR. if chagaev tries to play it safe while collecting more money then loses to some contender or mandatory, then he not only misses out on big payday, but also his marketabilty is tarnished. i mean, what is more easier to rebound from PR-wise? a lost to the best p4p heavy out there? or a lost to a no-name? you only have to look at brock and peter. both prospects who got their first loss from the best fighter out there. has that shattered their marketability? maybe brocks was dented a bit, but definately not peter! 3. THINK WISELY RUSLAN! chagaev is a paradox to me. on the one hand personally i feel he is no2. in the rankings after wlad BUT he has already gotten a draw against a euro level fighter. so while he is better than a lot of fighters including peter (in my opinion), it is also quite possible he could lose in the short term via decision or some such thing thereby dashing his chances and just like briggs and valuev after their losses, ruslan will be clamouring for a payda- err i mean fight with wladimir :deal so really... if the promoter has any smarts he'll know it's a win-win situation in the long run for his man :thumbsup
Wladimir isn't allowed to fight until January, isn't he? So Chagaev could still get in a quick easy defence to keep his hand in, then sign to fight Wladimir. Really not holding my breath it'll happen, of course.
It would be great to see Wlad vs Chagaev, but it if doesn't happen I hope, at least, Chagaev gets to fight good competition. Liakovich, Rahman, Tua, would be nice.