In advance of a purse bid, all parties are in agreement that WBC heavyweight champion Samuel Peter will take on “champion emeritus” Vitali Klitschko sometime in the second half of 2008 – probably in Europe.
The accord was struck as Peter’s promoter Dino Duva, Don King and Klitschko representative Tom Loeffler, all assembled in Mexico City.
Peter 30-1 (23) won the WBC crown this past March with a sixth round TKO over Oleg Maskaev in Cancun, Mexico. The 27-year-old Nigerian’s only loss came to reigning IBF/WBO/IBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko on points in September 2005.
The 36-year-old Vitali Klitschko 35-2 (34), a former WBO and WBC heavyweight champion, who hasn’t fought since December 2004, was promised a crack at the WBC title by the sanctioning body’s president Jose Sulaiman when and if Klitschko decided to fight again after a series of injuries forced the Kyrgyzstan-born boxer to retire while still champion.
Dino Duva, president of Duva Boxing and promoter of World Boxing Council Heavyweight Champion Samuel Peter, announced today that an agreement has been reached with K2 Promotions for the “Nigerian Nightmare’ to defend his title against former champion Vitali Klitschko, thus avoiding a purse bid.
The two sides reached accord at meetings in Mexico City yesterday, and the WBC world title clash will take place sometime this fall, with date, site and television to be deterimined in the near future.
“The deal was made at the 11th hour, and we are delighted,” said Duva. “Instead of going to the WBC offices for a purse bid and uncertain future, we instead were able to reach the agreement and announce it in front of the wonderful Mexican media and fans.
“We’re ecstatic,” added Duva. “It’s the best possible deal for all concerned – the fighters, promoters, and most importantly the fans.”
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The WBC Heavyweight title tilt will be a co-promotion between Duva Boxing and K2 Promotions, with Duva serving as lead promoter.
“It was a long and complicated negotiation,” said Duva. “I want to sincerely thank all of the key parties – my partner Don King, Sam’s manager Ivaylo Gotzev, Vitali Klitschko, his advisor Shelly Finkel and promoter Tom Loeffler
"Last but not least, I must thank WBC President Jose Sulaiman, who, along with his son Mauricio, was determined to get all parties to the table and make a deal for this great fight,” wrapped up Duva. “Without their support and understanding, this never would have happened.
As part of the agreement, Peter is free to fight in an interim bout by July, which is being worked on feverishly, according to Duva.
Photo by David Martin Warr/DKP
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