By Alexey Sukachev, December, 9, 2006
It’s official. WBC heavyweight champion Oleg Maskaev is the Russian citizen since now. The President of Russian Federation, Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has signed the edict today, which allowed ‘The Big O’ to receive his long-awaited Russian citizenship. The next day will surely be something special for 37-year old Oleg, as he is to become the first ever Russian champion to defend his title in his Motherhood. Maskaev will enter the ring under the Russian flag and hymn to retain his heavyweight championship versus tough Japan-based Ugandan Peter Okhello on Sunday night at Olympiysky Sports Arena, Moscow, Russia.
Oleg Maskaev was born in Zhambul, Kazakhstan, the same city, where promoter of the show Vladimir Hrunov was born. He was raised in Uzbekistan, moved to the United States to establish there his hard-fought professional career. The sensational Cinderella metamorphosis took place in August, 2006, when, despite of being the huge underdog, Maskaev scored spectacular 12th round TKO over Hasim Rahman to capture his WBC belt. Maskaev was pronounced the American citizen by Michael Buffer prior that fight, however, it seems that he enjoys double citizenship right now.
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