Duva working hard at WBC convention

13/11/2007

Duva working hard at WBC convention

Looking to protect the interests of several of his fighters, most notably Interim WBC Heavyweight Champion Samuel Peter, promoter Dino Duva of Duva Boxing is at the WBC Convention in Manila, Philippines.

Admittedly frustrated by the long series of delays Peter has had to endure, first to become the WBC #1 contender and then to get champion Oleg Maskaev into a boxing ring, Duva says he has come to the convention with some specific goals.

"Samuel Peter wants to be a fighting champion and wants to make sure that no one, including other fighters, promoters or managers, is able to cause any more delays to his career."

After defeating James Toney in September 2006 and becoming Maskaev's mandatory challenger, Peter was mandated to face Toney in a return bout because some felt the scoring of the bout was close. Peter defeated Toney even more handily in the return. Having earned his shot at the title, Peter was again forced to wait as an attempt by former champion Vitali Klitschko, to step in front of Peter in the title shot lineup, played out. When Klitschko ultimately decided to acquiesce and allow Peter his rightful opportunity at the belt, various protests by Team Maskaev led to more delays. Peter vs. Maskaev was then scheduled for October 6, however, in late September, Maskaev announced he was injured and wouldn't be fighting. The WBC then chose to name Peter their interim champion while Maskaev recuperates.