Peter vs. Maskaev On February 2nd

In the boxing news, both World Boxing Council interim champion Samuel Peter and World Boxing Council champion Oleg Maskaev sent in their medical exams to the WBC in preparation for their February 2nd title match at Madison Square Garden, in New York City, New York. Vitali Klitschko, the WBC emeritus , also sent in his medical exams to the WBC, letting them know that he’s fit to compete against the winner of Maskaev-Peter. Both Klitschko and Maskaev are coming off of bank surgeries for herniated discs, which caused cancellations for each of them.

In Maskaev’s case, it bought him a little time from having to face the brawling 27 year-old Peter, who many figured to beat the aging 37 year-old Maskaev. The postponement, however, only prolonged the inevitable, though, as Maskaev still faces the tough obstacle of trying to defeat Peter, whom hasn’t lost since 2005 when he lost a narrow decision to Wladimir Klitschko. However, Peter isn’t without his faults, as was shown clearly in his last fight with journeyman Jameel McCline, a fighter who knocked Peter down three times early on and came close to beating him.

None of the punches by McCline seemed to be that powerful, and there has been talk that Peter’s chin isn’t the same after absorbing a tremendous left hook thrown by Wladimir Klitschko in their 2005 bout. if Peter’s chin is indeed compromised, he may find himself in trouble against Maskaev, as he is very heavy-handed and can punch with a lot of power at times. If there is even a slight problem with Peter’s chin, it will likely be found out within the first few rounds with Maskaev, because he will be fighting for survival, no doubt, while under assault from Peter.

Whomever comes out on top, it doesn’t get easier for them because waiting in the wings is mandatory challenger Vitali Klitschko, who despite being retired from boxing since early 2005, is still a formidable threat if he’s in good health. It’s questionable, however, whether Vitali can make it through training, since he’s been injured consecutively in the last four training camps, preventing him from taking on Hasim Rahman and Jameel McCline. Vitali will likely be extra careful in training camp this time, making sure that he avoids the kind of strenuous activities that led to his prior injuries.

As such, he’ll have a lot of ring rust, should he make it in the ring with Maskaev or Peter, but given his extraordinary size, power and boxing skills, it may be more than enough to beat either of them. Vitali’s chin is one of the best in boxing, and with that alone he beats Peter without much of a problem. Maskaev would be a tougher task for him, but that’s something that will likely be taken care of by Peter, who will probably blitz Maskaev early and take him out in short order.