Klitschko, who recently turned 42, hasn’t fought for almost a year since defeating previous WBC number one Manuel Charr with minimal fuss, but has been the subject of intense retirement rumours in the interim.
With Stiverne defeating Chris Arreola to gain the automatic spot to take on Vitali for his coveted green title, the WBC had set and reset the purse bid at Klitschko’s request – only for the same thing to happen again this week.
WBN then contacted WBC President Jose Sulaiman to get his views on the delayed situation regarding Klitschko’s championship, but were told that stripping the Ukrainian fighting legend was never going to be on the agenda.
“We at the WBC are currently in discussions to find a solution to Klitschko v Stiverne,” Sulaiman told World Boxing News.
“What I will say is that we will not consider Klitschko losing his title. I would never do it for one of the most loyal and great WBC champìons.
“Vitali is a pride of the WBC. Also a gentleman and example for all the boxers in the world. What would I give for all boxers be like him?”
The time frame involved would now suggest that Klitschko would be looking at a possible defence in November or December at the earliest, but with his political obligations that could extend further.
The veteran has stated that he would like to continue for one or two more fights before he steps away from the ring and a final decision of his impeding defence against the American should be forthcoming sometime this month.
