Quote Originally Posted by Barlick View Post
I second all that. I've never rated Peter highly, even in the context of the current weak division. If he doesn't blast people out early, his work takes on a slightly desperate hue. Also Maskaev is a wily old fighter whereas Peter strikes me as mentally friable. You can imagine Oleg winding him up and exploiting the resulting lapse.

The big doubt about Maskaev is whether or not he is truly fit. Have they just mended is back enough for him to climb into the ring and pick up the cheque?

Still, Maskaev for me. Although no money on it.
If that were true, then how come Toney didn't frazzle Peter? Arguably the slickest HW in the division, his accurate punching gave Peter a mouse, but in the second fight Peter was light on his feet and showed actual defense. He was the opposite of desperate in that fight and the only reason he was desperate against McCline was because of the knockdowns (I've said several times where I think those came from). Prior to those Peter was boxing well, looked very comfortable and knew he was winning.