Maskaev’s Manager Angered by WBC Decision

The manager of WBC heavyweight champion Oleg Maskaev (34-5, 26 KOs) is reportedly angry with the WBC for their vote by the council’s board of governors to appoint Samuel Peter as the interim heavyweight champion after Maskaev pulled out of their October 6h fight last week with a back and ankle injury. Maskaev’s manager, Fred Hesch, felt that Maskaev, 38, should have been allowed three months to recover from the herniated back injury, which is something that has been permitted with past heavyweight champions.

As things stand now, Peter will be facing Jameel McCline on October 6th instead, with the winner of the bout going up against Maskaev once he’s healed from his injuries. The problem, however, is that Maskaev will make much less by facing Peter than he would have otherwise if he were given the chance for his injuries to heal.

Maskaev, who won the WBC heavyweight championship a year ago with a 12th round KO of Hasim Rahman, was expected to lose to Peter. In fact, few people gave the 38-year old Maskaev much of a chance at all due to the combination of his weak chin and the tremendous punching power of Peter. However, it was still an intriguing fight due to Maskaev’s habit of winning big fights when least expected to. For his part, Peter has looked far from impressive in recent bouts against James Toney and Robert Hawkins.