Ivaylo Gotzev: Maskaev Will Not Go The Distance

IVAYLO GOTZEV: MASKAEV WILL NOT GO THE DISTANCE By G. Leon GL: Can you give us some thoughts on your fight with Oleg Maskaev finally getting done? "Well, it's finally here. The only thing left to do is to get ready for it and somebody has to pay for the time taken away from us on October 6. This is the longest sam has gone between fights his whole career, but we've coped with it and our main thing right now is to win the world title. GL: How do you feel about Samuel fighting for the title at Madison Square Garden? IG:"It couldnt be happening at a better place. Madison Square Garden is the Mecca of boxing and it's a privilege to be able to fight and win the world title at Madison Square Garden. GL: Do you think this fight will go the distance? IG: "Absolutely not. I believe Samuel is right now packing a lot of power and experience and I expect him to be a big favorite to stop Maskaev." GL: What will be the difference in this fight that leads to a Sam Peter victory? IG: This is a fight between two proven punchers, but one of them punches a bit harder. Samuel is hungrier and he's younger. He's the best heavyweight in the world and it'll just be amtter of time befor he proves it. He's the future of the heavyweight division and we're just so happening to be facing someone who is going to be there." GL: What's cooking with Sergei Liakhovich? IG: "He's awaiting a title clarification with the WBA. We don't know what Changaev's career is doing but we're ready to fight for a vacant title or fight Ruslan for it if he's able to fight. I've heard reports that he's seriously ill, I hope he recovers because he's a great champion and a great boxer. If he can't continue to fight we'd love to fight Valuev for the vacant title. If Valuev backs out, because I understand he's trying to get an easy fight. The next available challenger is John Ruiz." GL: Rumor has it that you are working with James Toney. Is that true? IG: "James and I had some talks and we're neighbors so we're still talking, but nothing is official." GL: Is there anything you'd like to say in closing? IG: "Keep tuned in for some mega fights in the heavyweight division. We're going to make it happen. Samuel and Sergei will help make sure the heavyweight division is back alive. Look for both of my heavyweights to win world titles in the next few months." Showtime Championship Boxing will televise Maskaev-Peter live from Madison Square Garden on October 6.