03.08.05 – By Chet Mills: Heavyweight Samuel Peter, out of Nigeria, is the next opponent of former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko in a 12 round elimination bout for the IBF number one ranking. The battle between Peter and Klitschko is set to take place on September 24th in Atlantic City, New Jersey.. Since starting his boxing career in 2001, Peter has won all 24 of his bouts, with 21 recorded KO’s. For Wladimir, a loss at this stage in his career would likely bring a bitter end to a once promising career that began with a Gold medal in the Super Heavyweight division in the 1996 Olympics.
Wladimir has been in the rebuilding stage in his career ever since being brutally knocked out in the 2nd round by Corrie Sanders in March 2003. Previous to that loss, Wladimir had been thought by many in the media to be the savior of boxing. However, since losing to Sanders, Wladimir was again stopped, this time by lightly regarded Lamon Brewster in April 2004.
Now, everything has completely turned around. Wladimir no longer fights with confidence or aggression, as he mostly fights exclusively with his left hand, (using either his excellent jab or devastating short left hook) perhaps fearing to be countered if he decides to use his right. Nevertheless, Wladimir is probably the most gifted offensive fighter in the heavyweight divison as of now. Wladimir’s size, 6’7″, natural reach advantage and speed, make him very difficult to beat when he’s fighting with confidence, and not punching himself out while trying to overly impress others.
Peter, if anything, punches probably harder than most of the heavyweights in the division, including Wladimir. However, Peter is very slow moving, he lacks a jab, he is easy to hit, and his punches are telegraphed from a mile away. Combine that with his short size (6’1″) and reach, and you have a recipe for disaster for him. In physical stature and fighting style, Peter resembles Ray Mercer, who Wladimir knocked out in the 6th round in 2002. The main difference between the two fighters, in my opinion, is that Wladimir is much more versatile, being that he can box when he wants to, and win by decision. Sorry to say, I don’t feel Peter has the same ability. He is one-dimensional – either he wins by knockout or he can be outboxed. Nevertheless, with Wladimir’s confidence still in question, Peter has a excellent chance at winning.