Oleg Maskaev's journey to regain the World Boxing Council heavyweight title begins with a supposed tuneup fight Dec. 11 at Memorial Auditorium.
During a news conference Thursday at the Red Lion Hotel, it was announced that the WBC has approved a title-elimination match early next year between No. 2-ranked Maskaev and top-rated Ray Austin, with the winner to face champion Vitali Klitschko.
There is a catch, though. Maskaev, formerly of the Soviet Union and now living in West Sacramento, must win a scheduled 10-rounder next month against unranked Nagy Aguilera, a young prospect from New York.
To remain active before the end of the year, Maskaev (36-6, 27 knockouts) opted to fight Aguilera (14-2, 9 KOs). The idea is that it will help him get ready for Austin.
"Because Austin doesn't plan to fight again (until the elimination match), I've received calls from boxing people asking me why take the risk of Oleg losing (to Aguilera) and blowing his ranking and a chance at the title?" said Maskaev's promoter, Dennis Rappaport.
"Yes, it's a big gamble, a dream-maker or career-breaker. But Oleg felt it was important to take this fight in front of his (new hometown) fans."
Aguilera, 23, will be the underdog but likes his chances against a 40-year-old former champion who was dethroned by knockout last year by another younger opponent, Samuel Peter. Maskaev said injuries contributed to the loss, and he has won twice since, his most recent bout in March.
"Maskaev can train as hard as he wants for this fight," said Aguilera, a native of the Dominican Republic. "But he can't hide his age. This is a big opportunity for me."
Maskaev downplayed the age angle. "Aguilera is just the kind of opponent I like," he said. "He comes right at you."
Rappaport, based in New York, is promoting the card in association with local promoters Nasser Niavaroni and Jeff Berger, who are providing area preliminary boxers.
Rappaport said tickets, scaled from $30 to $150, will be available at the Community Center Box Office and through tickets.com.
Maskaev has hired a new trainer, Chuck McGregor from Arizona, and will do the bulk of his training in Reno, where he believes the altitude benefits his conditioning. Aguilera, promoted by former heavyweight Lou Savarese of New York, is training in Houston.
Klitschko, who stopped then-No. 1 contender Chris Arreola in 10 rounds in September, is making a Dec. 12 defense in Switzerland against No. 6 contender Kevin Johnson.
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