17.05.07 – World rated Light heavyweight Victor Oganov has offered to step in for the injured Manny Siaca who was scheduled to face Danny Green on May 30 in Perth. To make the decision a little easier for him, Victor who is sick of people avoiding him has offered to fight for free! Further to this his trainer Jeff Fenech has offered a wager of $50,000.
We rang Danny’s management as soon as it was reported to offer Victor as an economically viable option for them, yet they want no part of it. When asked why not, we were told that he has nothing to offer said an amazed Stuart Duncan (Oganov’s Manager). I quickly pointed out that Victor in fact is rated with 3 of the major sanctioning bodies including the WBO where he is rated # 5 the WBC # 17 and WBA # 13 Light Heavyweight. Obviously gone are the days where if you believed you were the best, that you would face all local challengers. According to Duncan, it has to be one of two reasons – Danny’s spooked because he knows the man who taught him how to fight is in the opposite corner, or Victors unblemished record of 26 fights all wins by KO. Either way they want nothing of Victor. “I cannot believe that they wouldn’t consider this fight – the broadcaster would have been happy as it saves the date and makes for a well matched bout between two world rated opponents.
The fans would be happy especially those that had planned or purchased tickets and they will have saved themselves over $50,000 (guessing) with Victor fighting for free. This would make Danny somewhere in the proximity of $100,000 better of with a win.
Jeff Fenech said that Victor has had no sparring and only 2 weeks to prepare but was confident his charge is up to the task. There is only one reason Danny wont fight Victor and that is because he knows he will get knocked out to become Vic’s 27th victim. Realistically, what other possible reason can they cite to not take Vic up on his offer? I don’t think there has ever been a more generous offer in the sport. We travel to their backyard, on there promotion – on 2 weeks notice for no purse. To compliment the package a side bet of $50,000 thrown in as a sweetener?
Duncan said an announcement would be made next week confirming Victor has signed a promotional agreement that will see him fighting in the USA shortly. Victor is a natural super middleweight however we will have him fight any 76 – 79kg boxer in Australia. We have made challenges to Dennis Inkin – Chad Dawson – Carl Froch – Peter Kariuki & we have declared him available to fight Contender competitor Peter Manfredo Jr. and also Jeff Lacy. Needless to say they haven’t had the financial incentive Danny has been offered.