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07/15/2007 Archived Entry: "Duva: Real Issue is Rappaport’s Fear of Sam Peter"
Duva: Real Issue is Rappaport’s Fear of Sam Peter
“Rappaport’s rhetoric has been and still is a smokescreen to avoid fighting Samuel Peter.”
Dino Duva, promoter of mandatory heavyweight challenger Samuel Peter, says his fighter will be fighting for the WBC Heavyweight Championship on October 6, whether or not current belt holder Oleg Maskaev is the opponent.
Don King has sent the Maskaev camp a bout agreement,” says Duva. “Showtime is ready to televise and Madison Square Garden has the date on hold. Sam Peter has signed his bout agreement. The only ones yet to do the right thing are Oleg Maskaev and his promoter, Dennis Rappaport.
Duva says his and Sam Peter’s patience are running out. “For the past year, all Dennis Rappaport has done is find phony ways for Maskaev to avoid his legitimate #1 challenger, Sam Peter. First it was the nonsense with Vitali Klitschko, and then they consistently refused to sign bout agreements. This is becoming absurd. It’s all a smokescreen. The lawsuits being threatened, the public games…they’re all a big smokescreen to keep Sam Peter from knocking Maskaev out.”
Looking to put an end to the politics and outside-the-ring games, Duva says if Maskaev doesn’t sign soon, he will petition the WBC to strip him and either make Peter the champion or allow him to fight the highest-rated available contender for the belt.
Peter’s manager, Ivaylo Gotzev, says Maskaev and his people have a choice to make: “Champions defend their championships in the ring. Maskaev should either fight Samuel or step down and admit defeat by relinquishing his title.”
Duva says he wants to reach out to Maskaev and appeal to his fighting spirit. “With all due respect to you, Oleg, the main reason you are a major player in the heavyweight division is your title. If you lose your belt outside the ring by your promoter’s ridiculous actions, your career would be damaged irreparably. Oleg, Samuel Peter will be fighting for the title on October 6, with or without you. Remember what a great warrior you are and sign the bout agreement. True champions don’t lose their belts outside the ring like this.”
