By Rick Reeno

The negotiations for a potential WBC heavyweight title fight, between champion Vitali Klitschko and challenger Nikolai Valuev, have hit a major snag. BoxingScene.com was informed that Don King, co-promoter to Valuev, is holding firm on his $4 million dollar demand. The requested amount is above and beyond what Klitschko's side is willing to pay in order to secure Valuev for a fight.

Shelly Finkel, Klitschko's adviser, spoke with King a week ago, and the veteran promoter stood his ground on the $4 million dollar demand. The two sides have not spoken since. Klitschko really wants the fight but Valuev's price tag is too expensive.

If Valuev falls through, the pickings for Klitschko are slim. One option is to wait for something to come up. Klitschko would rather stay busy than sit back for a fight to come along. Alexander Povetkin, who is waiting in the wings for his mandatory shot at the Wladimir Klitschko-Eddie Chambers winner, could be an option. The winner of David Haye-John Ruiz is another.