Can Vitali be the same after 4 years out!

[rjj tszyu]

Just seen this on fightnews and it got me thinking. If you could take the Vitali of 4 years ago and put him in a fight with Peter I would not only fancy him to beat him but to KO him. But after such a long layoff and so many other things like his recent political stands going on in his life not to mention his increased age, can he possibly be as good as he was in 2004?

Also does anyone think he sould have fought a tune up fight first?

V. Klitchko-Peter set for Oct. 11
Former world heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (35-2, 34 KOs) has solidified the date of Oct. 11 to make his comeback, in Berlin, Germany. Klitschko will face WBC Heavyweight Champion Samuel Peter (30-1, 23 KOs). Klitschko ends a four-year layoff, but has been selected by the WBC to walk into a title fight because of he was crowned “champion emeritus” after retiring.

[BIG H]

Crazy not to have at least one warm up fight imo. I think he could come back and still ruin any of the rubbish that's around at the moment.

[Master]

It is risky, but he did see his brother outbox Peter and Vitali has a better chin so he probably thinks he can nick a decision in Germany.

[Phil]

I think with his injury problems a warm up fight could see him out of the game for good if something go's again, so taking on the best available opponent(imo) for the fight makes sence, but its a huge risk!
not sure who I think will win but sliding towards Peter...

[donnydarkoIRL]

I don't think he can be the same, but thats not to say he can't be effective.

In saying that Peter should beat him. Vitali has had such problems with injury in camps that Peter would be foolish not to rough him up and capitalise on Vitali's ailments.

[Beanflicker]

VERY tall order for Vitali, props to him for taking it but like most above said, a warm up fight wouldn't have hurt.

[killersheep]

4 years will take it's toll on anyone. Vitali should be no different, fortunately for him if his skills and reaction have diminished by 50% he should be on par with most of the HW division.

[Mar]

I'm not real high on peter....but he's gonna knock vitali's head off.

[Wayne]

I don't know-

Sam Peter has learned over 2 fights with James Toney he can't always rely on his power. Also with the 2nd Toney fight we saw that Peter can actually be nimble and light on his feet when he wants to be and can shed weight. I think Vitali hasn't taken that tune-up fight for a reason- either he has it or he doesn't and he's looking to answer that question with a titleholder he can make some change from as opposed to some walking corpse for Vitali to look bad against. Persistent injuries don't get better with time. One's dual interests in boxing and political office shows a lack of focus for either- it's not like they're complimentary.

[El Kabong]

Vitali IMO isn't as hurt by ring rust as most fighters as his style is already awkward and has no real rhythm to it.

Vitali is pretty solid on defense, he leans back and I doubt Sam can reach him even with the wide looping punches he's bound to start with. Vitali has good one punch power and can throw a variety of shots.

After the debacle vs McCline, I think Sam Peter is primed for a KO loss.

...if Vitali loses for whatever reason I think it sets up nicely for Wladimir to rule the entire division.

[JohnnyKickAss]

I think Vitali knows that he got only one at best two fights left in him...and both Klitschkos want desperately write boxing history becoming the first brothers having HW titles at the same time...

If Vitali can put his injury history behind him he should even after 4 years beat Peters more or less easily and after that the value of both Klitschkos would rise enormously...

[Galaxy]

Vitali has struggled enough trying to make it through a training camp let only a fight!

But it was his only move really as who's to say he would not of got injured again after a warm up fight.

The 4 years of is going to be telling!

I'm backing Peter big time, as both Klitschko's claiming to be champion is just bad for the game!!! We won't get a undisputed champion that way. Vitali should have kept his a** retired & listened to his body which has been clearly telling him he can't do this no more! If not for himself then at least for the sport!

[Spicoli]

I think any fighter waltzing in off 4 years absence of competition let alone, a top tier fighter runs the risk of meeting dizaster 1st time out.

How much in gym prep?Sparring. Range can give Peter panick moments ,A polished fighter may have finished Sam unlike Mccline who shot it all and watched Peter get up & adjust down the stretch.Sam will have to press action but It boils down to where Vitali is physically and mentally right now ??

[CutMeMick]

No.

[rjj tszyu]

I'm still a bit undecided on this fight. I keep thinking that 4 years is too long and so on but then I expected Vitali to beat McCline comfortably until he got injured and look at how much trouble he caused Peter!