QUEST FOR GLAMOUR

February 2, 2008, has become an important date in the history of boxing. This is the day that has been chosen to stage what I call the contest of repute. It is the day that Oleg Maskaev and Nigeria’s Samuel Peters would clash to determine who the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the world become. The venue will be the prestigious Madison Square Garden in New York. By the time this fight will be taking place Samuel would be making another history, as the African to have stepped into the new ring a record second time, the first was when he defeated Jameel McCline.

The fight is made possible by the Don King Promotions; like I said some time ago, the Don is scheming well. Having said that, if you have been following this page judiciously, you recall I said “My dream is only Maskaev away”. That dream of mine and perhaps that of other well meaning boxing fans across the country will come to physical manifestation; an African will become the Heavyweight Champion of the world. Another angel to the announcement of the association is that the winner of the fight must battle with Vitali Klitschko, that apart and given the performance of Samuel Peters against Jameel McCline , the question now is can Samuel Peters defeat Oleg Maskaev? An answer to this question should be devoid of hast and emotions that stems out of patriotism. At the moment both men are good fighters; for me the best for now, until we see what Vitali Klitschko really looks like.

A deep glance at both men popped up some of these facts: Records: Maskaev has fought 39 times, his records stands at 34-5, out of which 26 were via Knock outs. This proves that Oleg is a seasoned and experienced professional. Samuel Peters on the other hand, has fought for 29 times and has won 28 times and lost one ( only to wladimir Klitschko), Oleg has an edge over Samuel, but we have to also realize that Samuel Peters is coming up strong.
Quality Of Opposition: Oleg has fought against Hasim Rahman on two occasion (The man Vitali Klitschko tried very hard to avoid), Tua, Kirk Johnson, Derric Jefferson, Sinan Sam, David Defiagbon, Oliver McCall, Alex Stewart and many other top class opponent. Samuel on the other hand has fought Wladimir Klitschko, James Toney on two occasions and Jameel McCline. Prior to the James Toney’s fight he has knocked out Julius Long in one round. Others include Charles shufford, Taurus Sykes and Jeremy Williams. He was stretched by both Shufford and more recently Robert Hawkins, who incidentally was knocked by Oleg Maskaev in round four, that fight took place in 1995.At this too; Oleg has got an edge over Samuel Peters. Another factor to really look at is what Ted Sares calls boxing I.Q. No doubt Maskaev is good, but very importantly Peters is getting better. Samuel Peters has the tendency to get frustrated and a little in a hurry, when this facts come alive he tends to use what is called clubbing, (which can get him disqualified), he showed against James Toney and was warned by the referee, but he has tremendously improved on those limitations. However, he still needs to polish his offensive and defensive techniques, against McCline he was suspect. Oleg has an edge here but once more that gap has closed. He showed tremendous character against McCline and relied on his strength to win the fight on points.

Chin: According to Ted Sares “Peters chin has lost its granite reputation”, Maskaev’s chin is questionable which was evident in knock out loose to Oliver McCall, Tua, Feather-fisted Lance Whitaker and Torey T-Rex Sanders. To this end both men has suspect chin. Another area of comparison is power. Oleg is known for having a powerful punch. Peters punch can send any one to dream land as was evident in his fight against Jeremy Williams. Both boxers have late round power, we must also appreciate that Maskaev punch can really hurt, yet if Samuel Peters can land some shots on Oleg, it might just be goodnight.

Having stated all this, another important area to focus on would be, on Maskaev’s injury, has he fully recovered and will he be fit for the fight on second February 2008. I dare to ask, was he ever injured or was he by the side to see how Peters will fare against McClien.? What has suddenly motivated Maskaev and his team to ask for the fight early next year? Is it because of his quest for glamour? Or hunger to keep his belt or the assumption that Peters may just fall like pack of cards. Well whatever it is that spurred up Maskaev’s determination it will be greeted with the best opposition available. Meanwhile I sense that, the association is lining up fight to either make Sam slip or actually become a true Champ.

First he fought two times against James Toney (the second fight was totally unnecessary), then he fought Jameel McCline, now he will face Maskaev and if he wins he will defend same title in November against Vatali Klitschko. The schedule looks tough. I trust that God will strengthen him and grant him the capacity, tenacity to remain the pride of the Heavyweight class. In my view the glamour of the Heavyweight class will be restored if Samuel Peter could just put up a championship performance, until that dream comes alive the quest for glamour continues.