Dennis Rappaport, the promoter for World Boxing Council heavyweight champion Oleg Maskaev, is "guardedly optimistic" the West Sacramento-based fighter will defend his title June 2 in Moscow against former champion Vitali Klitschko.

Speaking Tuesday from his New York office, Rappaport said there are two hurdles facing the fight between the natives of the former Soviet Union.

The first obstacle -- avoiding arbitration -- is for Samuel Peter, the WBC's No. 1 contender, to step aside for a proposed $2.75 million and the right to face the Maskaev-Klitschko winner.

"We have an agreement in place with Peter's people, but there are a few more details to be worked out," Rappaport said.

A second potential conflict is Shannon Briggs announced over the weekend that he also has chosen June 2 in Moscow to defend his World Boxing Organization heavyweight title against leading challenger Sultan Ibragimov of Russia.

"That Briggs and Ibragimov would want to fight the same date in Moscow was a bit of a curve for us," Rappaport said. "It makes no sense. We have the more attractive fight and are proceeding with our plans."

Meanwhile, Maskaev, who made his first successful defense four months ago in Moscow, is working out locally but, according to Rappaport, probably will begin formal training on the East Coast in April.

Sacramento Bee