By Ruslan Chikov

According to reports in the Russian press, promoter Don King requested a purse of $2 million dollars, and the American television rights, for Bermane Stiverne's mandatory challenge of WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (45-4, 41KOs). Stiverne (23-1-1, 20KOs) became the mandatory challenger after winning a final eliminator against Chris Arreola last month.

Time is running out for King to reach an agreement. The two sides have until June 3rd or the WBC will conduct a purse bid in Mexico City. It will be interesting because King has been bidding huge amounts of money to win several recent purse bids but he ends up losing the promotional rights after failing to finalize the details.