When this fight was first announced I thought to myself, "yeah right, we all know that Klitschko will twist his ankle, los
e a nail or come down with a new version of the bird flu, forcing this heavyweight title fight to be postponed or cancelled." Right now, I have been proven wrong, as it looks like the long-awaited return of Vitali "Dr. Ironfist" Klitschko (35-2, 34 KO) commences next Saturday against the hard-hitting "Nigerian Nightmare" Samuel Peter (30-1, 23 KO). For many, this fight is a toss-up, and I tend to agree. And if I had to flip a coin, it would land in favor of Klitschko.
On paper, Klitschko should win this fight fairly easily. He has a significant height and reach advantage, better boxing skills, faced better competition, and a sturdier chin. My only concern is the long layoff that Klitschko has had. He hasn’t fought in nearly four years and is an "old" 37 years of age. I say old because of all of the injuries that he has endured. If he shakes of the ring rust in the early rounds, Klitschko should be able to keep Peter at bay for most of the fight.
Peter fans will say that I am discounting their man. And my answer would be – yes, I am. Don’t get me wrong, Samuel Peter has shown improved boxing skills in his past few fights against James Toney (twice), Jameel McCline and Oleg Maskaev. But he’s still shown that he’s awfully easy to hit, can be hurt, and the last time that I checked, still stands only six feet tall.
Klitschko by Unanimous Decision or Late KO over Peter
Good prediction, but I am rooting for Peter. Just imagine if Peter wins! It would set a rematch with Klitschko to decide the true heavyweight champ, in my eyes. Yet, I think Peter has a legit chance to win this. Yes, Vitali is the overall better fighter but that long layoff is a huge factor…..we don’t know what Vitali has left, he might grow overnight or not be the same fighter he once was. With that said:
Peter UD
I can’t really argue with you, if you feel that Peter could win. Shoot, take a look at my poll; it’s split 50-50 right now. The only place I differ with your prediction is that I think if Peter wins, it’d be by stoppage…I’d be kinda shocked to see him win via decision. But what do I know, I never thought he’d be able to outpoint James Toney either (KO, perhaps, but not a decision win…twice!).
And the voice from the clouds said “It shall be the Nightmare!”
Joe, would you bet on that? “Me no think so.”
You were right!
I did bet on it.
It was worth a shot as there was no telling about Vitali’s general health.
Yes, I hope “Joe” reads this. Thanks for the props on my fight insight (lol). Vitali was apparently healthy = blowout victory for him.
Sorry to hear that; what were the odds? Hey man, since Vitali didn’t call the fight off last week, I had a strong feeling that he was OK. lol Who do you have in the Pavlik-Hopkins and Calzaghe-Jones fights?