Public demand and supreme confidence on Samuel Peter and Ivaylo Gotziev’s part have thrown a lifeline to Toney, a chance to make amends where he failed to capitalize in bout 1. In the same vein, Samuel has to make a more convincing job of the return to persuade the neutral skeptics to jump aboard his ship on its cruise towards the championship. Had Samuel adopted a more structured approach to the Klitschko clash we wouldn’t be where we are now. James is technically amongst the top ten premier boxers currently active but lacks the size and strength to compete physically against many lesser talented heavyweights around today. Sadly, the current belt-holders are more mechanically blessed and pure skill is often overwhelmed by brutish brawn; it is a shame and an unfortunate sign of the times ..

     If Samuel wins convincingly by using versatility and boxing skills to compliment his sheer power he must be considered championship material in the highest order. To be heavyweight champion of the world for any length of time even in the state of today’s division, you need to have at least an ounce of tactical wisdom. Peter will have to apply more strings to his bow if he has a shout at dominance. The past has proven that power and will won’t completely cut it. James has the silky skills and savvy, while Peter has the unmerciful raw tools, somewhere between the two there is a champion I am sure, in the present alphabetic terms of the word at least.

     On this occasion, I think a more mentally prepared Peter will claim victory. James' only real hope is to try to expose the Nigerian as a one trick pony, but if Samuel brings a plan to the table it will raise his chances ten fold. On the grand scheme of things it's last chance saloon for Toney to prove that he is more than a tricky, slick, past his prime phony who has yet to be conclusively accepted as a heavyweight of substance. A well-established trainer said recently, “If Samuel Peter lacked a punch he would be a parking attendant.” It’s Peter’s chance to employ intelligence to step to the required level..

     The figures (234 lbs vs 249 lbs) suggest a potentially more active night, the rest is to be seen.    Enjoy the fight.. 

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