By Luke Furman

The negotiations continue for a match between WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (44-2, 41 KOs) and mandatory challenger Bermane Stiverne (23-1-1, 20 KOs). If they are unable to reach an agreement, the World Boxing Council has scheduled a purse bid for June 3rd.

The main issue preventing a finalized agreement is money. As we previously reported, Stiverne's promoter, Don King, requested a purse of $2 million for his fighter and he also wants the television rights to broadcast the fight in the United States.

Meanwhile, Klitschko camp is standing firm on their offer of $1 million (excluding the rights to broadcast the fight). Apparently King is willing to meet them in the middle by reducing his financial requirements to $1.5 million.

Last month Stiverne defeated Chris Arreola in a final eliminator to earn the shot at Vitali.

Luke Furman covers boxing for bokser.org.