The Heavy Bag.

Is the “Nigerian Nightmare” Tomorrow’s Dream?

Amid the middle-aged and mediocre, the dubious and the downright diabolical in the heavyweight division, we are looking for a sensation. Suffering through this depressing talent dearth has caused many boxing fans to proclaim any fighter possessing even a smattering of talent as the next truly great heavyweight, the one that will clean house and restore this desperate division to something of its former glory. These mournful times have seen a Ukrainian giant take up the coveted throne, regaled as a champion when he resembles little more than an opportunist offering only sheer size as compensation for a lack of skill. Further still, we are relegated to celebrate the rededication of Hasim Rahman, an ex-champion of equally opportunistic proportions. However, these aging fighters, fed from the scraps of one truly great legacy will soon see their time reach an end. Whom will we look to when their time has passed? Many people believe that Samuel Peter is the answer. Is this faith warranted, or is this simply another over-zealous proclamation?

Peter’s destiny is unknown, but who will screen it is quite certain. HBO have clung greedily to the signature of the heavyweight champion throughout the years, regardless of their abilities. Uncharacteristically, even HBO analyst Larry Merchant’s unflattering brand of sarcasm seems embedded in regard to his companies’ heavyweight charges. One would have expected Merchant to be the first to label Vitali Klitschko’s basic, mechanical style for what it is, but perhaps beyond his better judgment and in accordance with the wishes of his paymasters, Merchant keeps any scything opinions he might have to himself. In fact, Merchant has been known to champion Klitschko’s cause, applauding what little attributes the fighter displays, and in kind, Merchant seemed particularly enthused about the prospects of Samuel Peter just over a week ago as the Nigerian demonstrated his prowess against Yanqui Diaz.

Of course, some of the belief in Peter is instantly justified upon witnessing him in action. Firstly, few heavyweights can boast the punching power that Peter seems to possess, the kind of power that may succeed if all other efforts fail and one is historically proven to generate excitement in the industry. Secondly, his insistence on using his power, almost excessively is another drawing factor, so much so that his performance against Diaz makes me curious as to whether he can turn to some boxing skill if necessary; being five inches shorter than many heavyweights requires Peter to have more to his game than power. Peter’s youth also works to his benefit. If Samuel Peter becomes the heavyweight champion of the world, in his mid-twenties, he has the time to begin a legacy, and one that perhaps Vitali Klitschko, already aged thirty-three will not produce.

So, sweet dreams are made of this, who am I to disagree? Summarizing Peter’s latest performance it is impossible to deny his physical strength, but the exaggerated way in which he chose to exert it made him look disorganized and inexperienced. Perhaps the high-profile HBO showcase was the catalyst for Peter, making him anxious to do his job quickly and impressively; he certainly demonstrated his impetuousness by calling out Vitali Klitschko in his post-fight interview. Alternatively, although not in optimum physical condition, Diaz was thought to be a tricky proposition, a Cuban boxer with one or two tricks up his sleeve, perhaps this was motivation enough for Peter to try to end things sooner rather than later.

Larry Merchant did manage to evaluate Peter’s current state well enough in saying that he was, “an unpolished diamond.” For Peter to resemble more of a prospective heavyweight champion, that anxious, rushing style will have to be replaced with a more measured and controlled aggression. The inaccurate, slapping combinations with which he pinned Diaz against the ropes need to be transformed into clean, pinpoint precision punches. And finally, as we have seen with the likes of David Tua, monstrous power is nothing without some element of craft to make it effective. Peter must be able to call on more than his undeniable will to make his power tell.

A great many boxing elegiacs ponder what might have been if not for former undefeated heavyweight contender Ike Ibeabuchi’s incarceration. An abstract element of Peter’s appeal is that he is seen in some circles as a reincarnation of Ibeabuchi, due in no small part to their shared Nigerian heritage. Recalling Ibeabuchi in his last fights, it is somewhat wishful at best to compare the two fighters. Peter does not share Ibeabuchi’s incredible physique, the carved, almost prototypical super heavyweight specimen. Nor does Peter demonstrate the patient approach that Ibeabuchi adopted against the likes of Chris Byrd, a fight in which Ibeabuchi seemed measured but nonetheless menacing and explosive.

Clearly, there is much for Peter to accomplish before he can be reckoned as a true force in the heavyweight division, but it is doubtful that he or anyone supporting him will be patient enough to enforce his required development. The one gift that Peter does share with his Nigerian brethren is that of an overwhelming power. However, will that power be enough to lead Samuel Peter to the heavyweight championship of the world? The boxing world in general seems to exude a rabid impatience such as that of tabloid journalism; it wants the next story, the next shock, and the next big thing. It so wanted Vitali Klitschko to become champion, and after the high of that accomplishment wore away, it found that Klitschko as champion is not the answer. Now it looks to Samuel Peter to feed its voracious appetite.

Jim Cawkwell can be reached at jimcawkwell@yahoo.co.uk