Without throwing a single punch, the reputation of IBF Heavyweight Champion, Wladimir Klitschko was enhanced over the weekend. Due to the result in a fight between two other prominent heavyweights, the pro record of “The Steel Hammer” now commands even more respect. In handing James Toney his first loss in almost ten years, Samuel Peter is now being looked upon by many as the man with the most potential to bring back a semblance of order and credibility to a heavyweight division that has been in dire straights for some time.

With the split decision victory over “Lights Out”, Samuel earned the right to face WBC ruler, Oleg Maskaev. “The Nigerian Nightmare” will more than likely be the favourite in this fight, and if he should win and become a champion, many will warm to him even more and proclaim him the saviour of the division. With his raw power, willingness to fight anyone and
his youth, Peter will have many believing he is THE man at heavyweight.

But wait a minute...didn't Wladimir Klitschko defeat Peter - the only man to do so? He sure did. Therefore, surely people will now accept the huge Ukrainian as heavyweight boxing’s number one talent?

Certainly, when one looks back at Wladimir’s clear points win over Peter, it is even more impressive in light of the Nigerian’s ability to inflict defeat on Toney. Along with his April
win over Chris Byrd, in the fight in which he won the IBF version of the title, Klitschko has rebuilt his career with his win over the power puncher, coming as it did after the shocking two round loss to Corrie Sanders, which was followed by another disaster against Lamon Brewster.

But with these two defeats lies the problem. It is evidently hard for many fans to accept
Wladimir as the best of the current heavyweights due to the devastating manner in which he was dispatched in these two fights. While Peter, conversely, has a record that is KO loss free. This may be why more than a few will continue to rate him higher than the man he was outpointed by.

But who is the best? Not only out of Klitschko and Peter, but in the division period?

Well, as such an accolade, to my way of thinking at least, has to be awarded to either one of these two, or the Russian giant, Nicolay Valuev, and the answer to the first question may also provide an answer to the second. Either Klitschko, Valuev or Peter is the number one big guy fighting today.

With respect to fellow champs, Maskaev and WBO ruler, Sergei Lyakhovich, both Wladimir, Nicolay and Samuel would be favoured to defeat the pair of them, although to be fair, one can never write off any big man who can punch, such is the history of heavyweight boxing, with its huge upsets produced by a single blow.

But with regards to dominating and unifying the division in the coming year or two, either Peter, Valuev or Klitschko is the man most capable.

If all three win their upcoming fights; Wladimir against Calvin Brock, Samuel against Oleg Maskaev and Nicolay against Monte Barrett, the prospect of a unification of the titles will come with their victories.

Hopefully, a huge fight to decide the one and true heavyweight ruler will soon be upon us. Begging Lyakovich’s pardon, but the WBO title also being part of a unified picture may be asking for too much. First things first; to get a man to unify the big three from the division. Sergei then gets a shot at the holder down the road.

So, a rematch between Peter and Klitschko may well be on the cards in the coming months. And if this prospective fight is anything like their first meeting, Klitschko will again emerge triumphant. Then, all it would take to sort out the heavyweight division’s undisputed best would be a Klitschko vs. Valuev fight!

It will take many ingredients, not least good luck, but if things go to plan we could have a universally recognised heavyweight champion of the world this time next year. Which is something the sport will do nothing but benefit from.

To my mind, this fighter will be the man who goes by the nickname of “The Steel Hammer”, Wladimir Klitschko.

Click to read more boxing articles by James Slater

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