By Alexey Sukachev and Igor Shvartsburg, October, 11, 2006

It was officially announced this Tuesday in Moscow, Russia, that current WBC heavyweight world champion Oleg Maskaev (33-5, 26 KOs) will make his first title defense against Japan-based Ugandan Peter Okhello (18-4, 16 KOs), who is ranked 10th by the WBC, on December 10 in Olympiysky Sports Arena, Moscow, Russia. This show will be arranged by Yuri Fedorov Sports Lab in association with promoter Vladimir Hrunov. Maskaev – Okhello fight will be the second ever title bout in Russian history (following Al Cole – Glenn McRory IBF cruiserweight showdown in July, 1993) and the first one to include Russian fighter as a participant in his homeland. However, no undercard of the show has been officially announced yet.

Maskaev press tour and his press conference caused an ultimate interest from Russian media and sport community. Answering the questions and making the statements were Maskaev, his manager Fred Kesch, his promoter Dennis Rappaport, promoter Vladimir Hrunov, organizers Yuri Fedorov and Maxim Volkov and the president of Russian professional boxing federation, former amateur boxing legend Victor Petrovich Ageev. No Okhello representatives were in attendance.

“It’s a great honor for me and my camp to defend this prestigious WBC heavyweight belt in the very heart of my Motherhood, and I’m very proud to be the first Russian to make his title defense at home. There’s nothing compared to that. Moscow is my hometown; here I have spent my youth, and here I have lots of relatives”, said Maskaev. “There are talks that Peter Okhello is no way a serious fighter. I can ensure you that he is a dangerous opponent and a great puncher. I will not take him lightly”.

On his preparation: “I will make the biggest part of my homework in America, however, I’ll fly back in Russia pretty early to avoid any problems with acclimatization”. On the other heavyweight beltholders from the former USSR: “I respect all of them. I wish them good luck and I hope they will own their crowns as long as possible”.

Dennis Rappaport on Okhello: “Okhello is a tremendous puncher. I have seen his fight with Sinan Samil Sam and he had been close to knock Sam out in the last round. I was told that we were making a big mistake choosing to fight with him and that he would knock Oleg out. But we are sure, that Oleg will do the same to him!”

Vladimir Hrunov: “We’ve tried to sign other contenders, such as Matt Skelton and Oliver McCall. However, both of them refused to meet Oleg in Russia. I want to point out that it was McCall who had turned down the offer”.