by Johnny Walker
The old “slave contract” blues that dogged the camp of the world heavyweight champion Klitschko brothers when dealing with David Haye and his manager Adam Booth has reared its ugly head again in current negotiations between Wladimir and rising Polish contender Mariusz Wach.
Wach’s promoter Mariusz Kolodziej has balked at some of the stipulations in the contract offered up by K2 impressario Bernd Boente, who represents the Klitschko brothers: specifically, the clause that calls for the lantern-jawed giant Wach to fall under the Klitschkos’ control for the foreseeable future if he should beat Wladimir in a bout currently slated for November 10 in Hamburg, Germany.
“At the end of this week, we must decide whether we agree to their terms,” said Kolodziej.
“At the moment, some of them are not acceptable. If Mariusz beats the Ukrainian, he will become a slave to the German group. Specifically – will have to fight three fights on their terms.”
The impasse with K2 has Kolodziej looking at other options for his fighter, including a matchup with Canadian heavyweight Bermane Stiverne.
“We have other options. We can fight with WBC No. 2, Bermane Stiverne,” Kolodziej reasons.
“If we win, we’ll be the first in line for a fight with Vitali Klitschko.”
Kolodziej says he is wary of rushing into anything that he and his fighter may later regret.
“There’s no rush. If we do not come to an agreement, the chance of fighting for the title is still secure. Mariusz has time. This is a preliminary agreement, but we must wait.
“If [K2] does not agree to our terms, [we can fight] Stiverne or fight with Ray Austin in November. We can get Klitschko via another route,” says the promoter.