Heavy Waits

Chris Mannix

December 15, 2008

Wladimir Klitschko (right) and his brother, Vitali, between them hold three pieces of the heavyweight crown, but it will be a while before either gets a crack at the fourth. That's because WBA champion Nikolay Valuev has shunned overtures from both Klitschkos and agreed to face 46-year-old Evander Holyfield on Dec. 20 in Zurich. "It's horrible," says Wladimir, who will defend his IBF and WBO titles on Saturday in Mannheim, Germany, against former champ Hasim Rahman . "It's nothing but using Holyfield's name. Valuev should be his own man and not take this ridiculous fight." WBC champ Vitali hasn't named his next opponent yet, but don't expect it to be Valuev: After Holyfield, Valuev has a mandatory date with former WBA champ Ruslan Chagaev .