By Bill Patrice Jones: At a recent press conference at the commerzbank area, ahead of the Wladimir Klitschko Samuel Peter bout, both competitors laid down their first official words about the fight. Looking reasonably calm Samuel Peter took the podium briefly, he thanked those who had set up the bout, promised a different Peter from the last one in Germany (a reference to his defeat to Vitali Klitschko in 2008), and said he would let his ’fist do the talking.’
The champion’s words in response were ominous. He branded Peter a ’dead man walking.’ There seems to be a growing feeling among boxing fans that Wladimir Klitschko is about to look as devastating as he ever has in a ring. Since his 2005 fight with Peter, Klitschko has lost barely any rounds and thoroughly dominated his opponents. He has also stopped all but one, en route to two world titles and ring magazine status as ’undisputed.’ Klitschko is at the top of his game. If Emmanuel Stewards comments about him being ’one of the most devastating punchers in heavyweight history’ are believed, then surely we should expect to see some of that on September 11.
Wladimir Klitschko knows how good he is right now. His complete dominance over the last 5 years have silenced many of his former critics. It is becoming increasingly absurd that small pockets of fans still cling to the notion that he is some sort of glass chinned phoney. Wladimir Klitschko is the real thing. He is one of the top twenty heavyweights of all time. In spite of this, his path to recognition still continues to be a difficult one.
For years he lived under the shadow of his elder brother. Haunted by his early KO losses, Wladimir missed his chance to stake a claim to the throne when Lennox Lewis was still active. While his brother became internationally recognised as the champion, Wladimir was forced to work diligently behind him.
People failed to recognise Wladimir’s ability because he became a title holder when the division was fragmented. Criticising the heavyweight division was commonplace. With Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson gone, Klitschko had no option for a career defining fight.
Slowly but surely the wins and titles came, and slowly but surely boxing fans started to realise just how good Wladimir is. Klitschkos task was enormous. The stigma of his early setbacks coupled with the lack of a notable opponent meant total dominance was the only route to acknowledgement.
Now in 2010 Wladimir seems to finally be getting the respect he has always craved.
One big problem remains. Many still criticise Wladimir because they believe he is unentertaining. They begrudgingly give him credit but, still hark on about how boring his fights are. This criticism almost invariably comes from outside Europe and, with HBO’s baffling decision to no longer air his fights, a sort of dichotomy between American and European fans is starting to develop.
Wladimir Klitschko is excited about his prospective Peter clash because he senses an opportunity to make a statement. Emmanuel Steward keeps telling us that Wladimir looks better when people attack him. He also keeps hinting at the possibility of the upcoming clash being a ‘short night.’ Fans are excited because September 11 just might show American fans a different side of Klitschko.
He has been unlucky in recent years in so much as his opponents have not been ideal candidates for fan friendly fights. Now in Samuel Peter Klitschko has a foe who will be looking for a KO.
You have two very big men, both of whom are powerful punchers. Given Klitschko’s recent improvements the expectation of a spectacular KO might be well founded.
Samuel Peter will be a ‘dead man walking’ if he does not approach this fight in the right way. An out of shape or under motivated Peter will be punished severely. However, fans would be very unwise to count Samuel out. There is an ever so slight possibility that Steward and Klitschko are a little drunk on their recent successes. We need to remember that Klitschko has not fought a devastating puncher in a long time. If one of those huge looping shots connects everything can change. Peter has to be in the right place mentally and physically. He is currently training in Big Bear now, running at altitude and slimming down. Samuel Peter is by far one of the division’s hardest punchers. The enormity of the task ahead is apparent but, he is capable of pulling off the shock. Peter often finds limited periods of success with each team working with him. Pops Anderson had him fit and motivated for a few fights, then Don King’s team had some success in their LA training camp which did not last. Right now Abel Sanchez seems to be getting something good out of Peter, he needs to keep it going until September.
I expect HBO to sorely regret their decision not to air the upcoming title clash. I also expect a positive response from all fans after seeing a lively heavyweight brawl. Danger lurks in the form of the big Nigerian but, expect Wladimir Klitschko to produce one of his all time entertaining and devastating wins.