Vitali Klitschko's chances

[joseph5620]

If this was the same Vitali Klitschko from four years ago I would pick him to beat Peter without hesitation. But he is now a 37 year old heavyweight who has not fought in four years. That changes things. What are his chances and how does his fight go with Peter?

[Scott9945]

If this was the same Vitali Klitschko from four years ago I would pick him to beat Peter without hesitation. But he is now a 37 year old heavyweight who has not fought in four years. That changes things. What are his chances and how does his fight go with Peter?

He's been gone a long time. If Peter can't beat Vitali at this point then he never was much. It's still a difficult fight to pick, but I'll say Peter by a late TKO.

[joseph5620]

He's been gone a long time. If Peter can't beat Vitali at this point then he never was much. It's still a difficult fight to pick, but I'll say Peter by a late TKO.

It is, Scott. I don't think it will be as easy for Peter as a lot of people think. He has a lot of flaws that Vitali can exploit. Even if he happens to be 70 percent of the fighter he used to be.

[MANGLER]

Vitali is too far gone to beat Peter now. If he can make it to fight night without gettin injured and callin it off, good for him. But I think he'll get KO'd in this fight.

[landmine950]

Huh?

much as I love to razz the Klitschko nuthuggers lets be real here.
Who has Peter beat?
Maskaev? woo hoo..
Man Jameel McCline had him down 3 times!
He couldn't hurt a blown up (albeit very slick) middle weigh in James toney in 24 rounds!
Vitali will expose Peter as the slow plodding clubbing underskilled fighter he is.
A great guy but NOT a great boxer. IMO.

[LondonRingRules]

If this was the same Vitali Klitschko from four years ago I would pick him to beat Peter without hesitation. But he is now a 37 year old heavyweight who has not fought in four years. That changes things. What are his chances and how does his fight go with Peter?

** Vitali has a style that is very simple and doesn't really get rusty.

What is rusted is his body. I won't believe in him until he steps into the ring. Since he likely pulls out if injured, that will tell me he's fit and ready to go.

Peter reportedly may be in the shape of his flabby life. Might help him late rounds if it goes that far. Vitali's biggest strength has always been uncanny accuracy and steadiness. He's young enough to keep these attributes, but without proof, we can't say. What is clear is his motivation of being the first brother combo to hold simultaneous belts. He could easily stay retired.

I also wonder if he has an agreement with Lewis to come out of retirement if Vitali wins this fight. Stranger things have happened in boxing. It seems old guys are running the show these days. We shall see.

Recently reviewed the Vitali/Lennox bout. Very underrated classic. Had Vitali gone for it in the 4th, he'd have been the new champ. Never had to have a killer's instinct before since methodical beatdowns always worked in the past. Great comeback in the 6th for Lewis. Dirty, but effectively opened up Vitali that extra bit to get the stoppage.

Anyone noticed that Peter's promoters been feeding him a stack of injured, inactive heavies pushing their 40s since Wlad? Great work if you can get it, but his gravy train about ready to derail soon enough.

[Steak]

an even older Maskaev had Peter all wobbly, and Im pretty sure even Jameel McCline is around 37 himself...and we know what happened there. I wouldnt be surprised at all if Vitali won.

still, Vitali is injury prone. so theres always a question mark there.

[hunter1]

vitali will make sam look like a midget. 6'7 vs 6'1

[KostyaTszyu44]

this will be an extremely close bout

prime vitali would easily handle peter...but now with an old and rusty vitali it will be very even

if peter turns up in good shape he may outlast the old inactive vitali even if vitali turns up fit and ready he doesnt have the fight fitness and sharpness as he ahsnt fought for so long

so im picking peter by a late TKO.....vitali might win a few rounds and lead on the cards but i think his old busted up body will break down late and open the door for peter to end the fight...it will be a standing stoppage most likely...or vitalis corner could call it off between rounds...i think thats the most likely scenario

[!!Captain]

If Vitali makes it to the ring, that means he's ready 100%, mentally and physically. Take the years of inactivity into the account, and you'll get about 75% of Vitali in his prime, which is more than enough to beat Peter, no matter what shape he's in.