Chagaev-Oquendo Rematch Tentative For October 17th

By Miguel Rivera

The ordered rematch between WBA 'regular' heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev (34-2-1, 21KOs) and challenger Fres Oquendo (37-8, 24KOs) has a tentative date of October 17th in Germany, according to El Nuevo Dia.

The boxers first met last July in Russia, with Chagaev winning a very close twelve round majority decision.

There was a lot of controversy following the fight and lawsuits flew from all corners. Oquendo said he was never paid his promised purse, there was the question of a rematch, and also WBA mandatory challenger Lucas Browne was pushing for his shot at Chagaev. There was also the issue that Oquendo failed a post-fight drug test, which the fighter's camp alleged the testing procedure was tampered with in an effort to justify not pay Oquendo his outstanding purse.

Eventually Russian promoter Andrei Ryabinski stepped in and became the meditator among the parties involved.

A deal was worked out where Chagaev was able to defend against Francesco Pianeta last month (which Chagaev won by first round knockout) and then he had to face Oquendo in the fall. According to Oquendo, he is being paid his outstanding purse in installments.

The winner of Chavez-Oquendo II must make an immediate title defense against Browne (23-0, 20KOs), who suffered a thumb injury during last week's knockout of Julius Long in Australia.