The much awaited battle at the boardwalk last noche over HBO between
heavyweights Wlad Klitschko and Sam Peter didn’t exactly improve the stature
of the big division field - but wasn’t a washout either, since nobody exited
ala the Brit army at Dunkirk.
Still, Klitschko, even with a clearly won unanimous decision, had moments
hinting of a pending "Lamon Brewster" replay - the psyche cannot be hidden -
and at times during the strategic holding episodes, the eyes and expression
had the abandon ship look about it.
But fortunately for the big Ukrainian, he was far the better schooled of the
two, and equally important was in having the superior corner in Emmanuel
Steward.
Opening stanza showed Klitschko with a good jab that he backed with some right
hands … also appeared the slow plodding Peter had a good chin - and Steward
quickly picked it up and abandoned hopes of an early Klitschko win.
Plan two worked well with Wlad in role of listening student as he went the
stick and move route with the jab the dominant weapon - but then candle five
and a monster 10-7 round for Peter as he scores back to back knockdowns that
saw Wlad in a unraveling mode - but then the bell.
Enter Steward with all the right words and his charge looks reborn come round
six as he jabs and moves while tossing a shutout - it continued all Klitschko
into stanza ten when once again a Peter right hand at close quarters drops
Wlad.
Final two rounds belong to Klitschko as a tiring Peter is finally wobbled by a
big left hook - and with all said and done the ringside officials had it
identical at Klitschko 114-111 - this unofficial agreed with Klitschko 114-111
in points and in rounds 9-3.
Klitschko goes to 45-3, 40 KOs and Peter drops to 24-1, 21 KOs.
Closing Comments: Wladimir Klitschko ~ Had himself an ideal foe in a slow, one
dimensional Peter. Still, is no longer the prospect he was before the Corrie
Sanders, Lamon Brewster disasters. Regardless of a now #1 WBC placement, it
says here he remains overall a number eight entity.
Samuel Peter ~ Shame on the money
grabbing hucksters that run the biz of pro boxing - all we got from the media
was shouts of the new savior of the heavyweight division. Collectively they
ignored crystal clear shortcomings while highlighting the stunning one punch
knockouts of semi-cadaver opponents. But the age factor is in his favor, and
work on improved style changes, could change things down the pike. Could use
a little Joe Frazier, prime Tyson combinations in technique.
Referee Randy Neumann ~ Think maybe New
Jersey should can Larry Hazzard for openers … then first hack Randy should
follow. Never thought I’d be yearning for a "Body Bag" Smoger or Cappuccino
come these Boardwalk affairs. Neumann quick on the holding infractions but
blind to the disabling rabbit punches Peter was delivering. Priorities pleeze.
