Gomez wouldn't be a bad idea if he could get it -- I had not considered him. I think Valuev would be the best bet if he could get it, but I doubt it. Negotiations, the time element, are not in its favor though. Plus Wladimir should/will choose an opponent similar in stature to Povetkin-- Valuev is vertically in the wrong direction for the training that he has already started in preparations for Povetkin. I think Maskaev wouldn't be a bad fight. It would give everyone an indirect comparison between him and his brother since his brother just beat the man who beat the man. Maskaev is Russian, around the same height as Povetkin, has the money element, and a name in boxing in his favor. Negotiations would probablly go smoothe since Maskaev would be happy for another _title_ shot and a big payday and has already expressed interest in Vitali. The only negative is his last fight was a loss, but it was a _title_ fight, and this is a stay busy match for Wladimir. He is supposed to still face Povetkin in early 2009. So choosing anyone is up for grabs.
I've heard on message boards, by non-verified sources that John Ruiz may be in negotiations with Wladimir. I'm not sure what to think about this other than Wladimir may have an opportunity to permanently rid him from the heavyweight division.
27.10.08 @ 14:18:59
