NOW OR NEVER

March 2008, is no longer a longer a mystery date. It's a date of destiny and a date of confirmation. For Samuel "The Nigeria Nightmare” Peter it's a date with destiny but for Oleg Maskaev its a date to confirm him as the undisputed heavyweight champion. Just how ready are these two pugilists? Before I go on let me state that tomorrow is March 8th 2008. The city of Cancun in Mexico will for the first time witness the sweetest aspect of the sweet science. The actors on focus are two of the best heavyweight fighters in modern time.

Samuel Peter: He has undergone the longest training period of his life in preparing for this fight. A fight that is capable of listing his name, alongside names like Mohammed Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman and many more. He had really trimmed down ahead of the battle, he actually hired some trainers to help him deal with that. He needs to be in tip top shape to face a man like Maskaev who is a seasoned professional. He has also learnt a bitter lesson from the fight against Jameel McCline. In that fight Peter exhibited some element of amateurish skill, for instance each time he landed a right hand on McCline his left hand was left low, thereby making it possible for McCline to hit him on the chin and on three occasions he was dropped. McCline did not have the will and most importantly the skill to close the fight. Samuel gradually came back into the fight and showed that he has the will power to succeed. That day it became clear again that he also has a good left jab. He is physically intimidating but beyond physical strength, one factor that will play a vital role is mental alertness. Samuel can not afford to lose concentration; if he does Maskaev will be merciless.

Oleg Maskaev: He is one boxer that is not easily distracted. He is always focused and determined. The man possesses the will and the skill to dethrone any boxer. He may not have a heavy punching power like Samuel Peter, but he ensures that his opponents are hurt beyond imagination. Apart from the fight against Peter Okehlo, that was not impressive, all his fight is filled with drama. Just when you think that he is out, he bounces back with devastating hand speed combination. The man is fearless and has a never say die spirit.

However I have maintained that, Maskaev might just be a little bit rusty but age won't be a factor. The Russians seems to get better as they get older, any one counting age as a plus for Samuel had better drop it. The Russians have strong amateur background and they have one thing in common, they are physically strong. Another fact is, having not fought for long, he might be under pressure.

This is Samuel Peter's chance to wear that belt round his waist and become the undisputed heavyweight champion, it’s now or never. Yet if the truth must be told, Samuel "The Nigeria Nightmare” Peter is up against one hell of an opponent. The man who ensured that no American, is sighted in the heavyweight class, when he overwhelmingly dethroned Hasim Rahman. That not withstanding Samuel has all it takes to make sure that Maskaev's silence remains so.

The quest to be the world heavyweight is enough motivation for Samuel Peter. He should perform as he has boasted. If only he could land his right hand on Maskeav, it might just end earlier than we expect. Maskaev is massively focused and can defeat Peter but Peter knows that it's now or never for him. A lose will mean a long walk back to the top class, but a win will make him the biggest personality brand in boxing