Maskaev vs. Austin to Determine Vitali's Mandatory

Posted by Ramon Aranda on 11.04.2009

They'll need to face off next year to become Klitschko's challenger.

With a December 11 bout on the horizon for former heavyweight titlist Oleg Maskaev, the #2 ranked WBC contender has been informed that he will have to face #1 ranked Ray Austin no later than May 2010 to determine the mandatory challenger for WBC champ Vitali Klitschko.

Maskaev previously held the title in 2006 before getting knocked out by Sam Peter. Peter would subsequently lose that same title to Vitali Klitschko in his first defense.

Klitschko meanwhile, will make a voluntary defense against Kevin Johnson on December 12 after coming off an impressive TKO win over Chris Arreola in September.