By: Matt Yanofsky

The confusion over who will face WBC Heavyweight champion Oleg Maskaev is over. Mandatory challenger Samuel Peter will get the shot after a long battle that had many twists and turns. Unretired WBC Champion Vitali Klitschko attempted to use his champion in emeritus status {which states if a fighter retires champion, they can surpass the number one contender for a title shot} but will instead wait for the Maskaev-Peter winner. Klitchko last fought in December 2004 scoring an 8th round TKO over Mike Tyson Conqueror Danny Williams. Klitchko retired after having numerous fights against Hasim Rahman fall apart due to a knee injury suffered during training.

All three sides agreed Wednesday that Maskaev (34-5, 26 KOs) will face Peter (28-1, 22 KOs), who twice defeated James Toney in eliminator bouts by August. Klitschko (35-2, 34 KOs) will be the mandatory challenger for the winner.
Peter would have received $2.75 million as part of the step-aside package which included a $1.5 payment up front and $1.25 million following the proposed Maskaev-Klitschko fight.