It can never be said that Wladimir Klitschko is taking the safe route to redemption. In facing the young bull, power-hitting Samuel Peter, he is attempting a complete image repair in one fell swoop. For his part, Peter is also making a giant leap into the great unknown. Perhaps the main motivation for the bout for both is the fact that neither fighter is in the promotional stable of Don King. That means that for either to get a shot at any of the numerous alphabet belts their name must appear as a “mandatory� defense. They won’t be anyone’s optional defense, ever. Klitschko still brings significant skills, speed and power into the ring. While no one doubts any of his athletic ability, it’s the one necessary heavyweight attribute he may be missing that gives this fight its allure – his chin. Peter, the relative neophyte, brings, if nothing else, an ability and willingness to punch hard and with abandon. It’s assumed by many that if one of his wide mega-punches clips Klitschko on the chin it will be Corrie Sanders revisited. On this night, however, despite being a very exciting prospect of undeniable energy and strength, his lack of polish and diversity of attack will relegate him to a being a willing but unsuccessful youngster who will return another day better for the lessons he will take away from this fight. Klitschko will establish his jab early and continuously pull Peter out of position and land hard counters. Peter will give it his all but will wind up exhausted and without answers to the many puzzles Klitschko will present. Klitschko by KO in 9.
JE Grant
(JE Grant is a feature writer for The Sweet Science. To access his work, click here)
I have been a boxing fan since I started boxing at age 6. I am currently studying for my law school exam, and have a degree in history (going for creditibility not bragging rights). I have competed in boxing on and off for the last ten years and have a record of 20 wins with 2 losses (both to hvy’s while I fight at 160). I have also never been knocked down ever. The point is that I am a student and a historian of boxing. After reading your opinion I will say that you make some very valid points. Klitschko has the best jab in the hvy weight div. He also has manny in his corner, and two wins since his loss to brewster. However, I have seen peter fight four times now and have to say that his power will be a major problem for klitchko. Peter will be cautious at first, and then will unload a bomb, klitchko will have to anwser throughout the whole fight to earn peters respect and allow his jab to dictate the fight. My opinion is that peter will stop klitschko inside the first six rounds, but the longer the fight goes the more klitschko’s confidence will increase and he will win on points if it goes past six.