By Jim Dorney: First off, I’m not a hater. Anyone who has read my previous articles should appreciate that whilst I have fighters which I follow over others, I like to try & respect boxers for what they do & not recklessly hate on them. Secondly, I don’t like to jump on the bandwagon. I appreciate there’s been a fair amount written on this fight of late, but I wanted to add my ‘two penneth in’ as the saying goes.…
As I’m not a hater, firstly I’d like to say I’m disappointed to read in some comments people saying Peter was a coward & a quitter. Out of respect for what boxers do, I think as a writer or a poster it’s far too easy for the public to forget the risks boxers put themselves under for the purposes of our entertainment. In addition – how many writers & posters have actually gone in the ring professionally (or even as an amateur & put it on the line? My guess it not that many, so let’s not start doubting the man’s courage.
What I will say however, is that Peter’s performance as a professional fighter versus Klitschko was beyond abysmal.
Peter appeared nervous during his walk to the ring & throughout the introductions. I’m presuming this is because he realised that he had no game plan. Approaching the fight thinking he could knock Klitschko out might have washed vs. Vitali’s little brother, but Klitschko the elder has proved himself to be made of sterner stuff & quite the expert at psychological warfare.
Add in the fact that they were fighting in Germany, where the judging is frequently dubious at best. Anyone remember Danny Williams vs. Konstantin Airich?
From the first bell Peter appeared sluggish, tentative & above all lacking in confidence. Klitschko did what he needed to do, and whilst he appeared revitalised from his long layoff, I didn’t see any improvements in his game – only proof that he still has a few fights left in him.
I don’t mean to knock Vitali – I give him respect for winning the fight & achieving his dream, but I honestly believe that like for like around half of the current professional heavyweight division would have come out victorious against Peter given the absolute shambles of the performance he gave.
I truly find it hard to understand how a man with such pride as to fight his way to the heavyweight championship of the world could put in such a pathetic attempt to defend his title. It beggars belief.
Peter barely connected all night. The height differential between the two combatants was clear for all to see, but what casual fans might not have known was that the reach difference between them was only three inches. From watching the fight it might as well have been three miles because Peter just simply didn’t even get close with his telegraphed rights.
What impressed me most about Klitschko wasn’t his handspeed (which was reasonable) but his accuracy. Few shots were wasted & Peter ate a lot of leather whilst the fight lasted.
I find it VERY hard to believe that Sam Peter will ever be able to retain any sort of credibility after such a woeful showing.
As always, I welcome your comments.