Promoter Dino Duva, president of Duva Boxing, and WBC no. 1 contender Samuel Peter, issued this statement on the injury to heavyweight champion Oleg Maskaev, forcing Maskaev to pull out of October 6 title fight at Madison Square Garden:

“We are shocked and disappointed that Maskaev is pulling out of the fight. We intend to verify this injury and the extent of it.

“In the meantime, we are urging the WBC to allow Samuel to fight for WBC interim heavyweight title on October 6. If and when Maskaev gets healthy, we obviously look forward to fighting him at that point in time.

“Sam Peter has waited too long for this title fight; he can’t wait around for Maskaev to get healthy; Samuel Peter should fight for the heavyweight championship on October 6.”