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Boxing's Heavyweights take center stage: James "Lights Out" Toney vs. Samuel Peter
Alden "The Kid" Chodash - 9/1/2006
Photo Credit Showtime
18 years and 77 bouts into his professional pugilistic life, how much left does he have for THE MOST DEVASTATING PUNCHER IN THE BOXING WORLD?
James Toney bio: James Toney, possibly pound for pound the champion in trash talking, is still longing to accomplish his dream of being the champion of the heavyweight division. That dream on two occasions was on the verge of coming true. April 2005, Toney dominated then-champion John Ruiz via unanimous decision victory only to see his victory turn into a no-contest due to Toney's illegal use of steroids. And in the following March, Toney showed us shades of his ring brilliance that made him a three time world champion in certain against WBC Champion Hasim Rahman, but the fact that he weighed in at a career high of 237 pounds cost him bitterly as Toney's speed and agility suffered and he once again left the ring title-less when the bout was ruled a majority draw. Now, James puts behind two unfortunate attempts at the heavyweight prize when he faces once beaten Samuel Peter, who is thought to be (by many boxing experts), the biggest puncher on the heavyweight landscape.
Samuel Peter bio: Samuel Peter also had a difficult journey up the ranks of the heavyweight division. After putting together 24 straight victories (21 by knockout), Samuel Peter was on the verge of title contention. September 24 last year, Peter was set to face former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, the winner was to get a crack at Chris Byrd's portion of the heavyweight crown. Peter dropped the Ukrainian twice in the fifth round and again in the tenth only to lose a unanimous decision to Klitschko in a fight that did nothing to sour Peter's reputation. Though Peter has won a dominating decision versus Robert Hawkins and slaughtered 7' ft Julius Long in the opening frame, "The Nigerian Nightmare" has yet to emerge victorious against a top ranked heavyweight contender. He has a chance to do just that September 2nd.
Strengths
James Toney: Experience, defense, ring savvy, right hand, left hook, chin, and trainer Freddy Roach.
Samuel Peter: one punch power, youth, improving skills, determination, and rock-solid chin.
Weaknesses
James Toney: punching power, balance, weight problems, lack of determination, and age.
Samuel Peter: one-dimensional approach, doesn't throw may punches, problems with quick adversaries.
The Questions
James Toney: can he regain the determination to win a major bout, can he get back down to a proper weight for James, and can he survive Peter's onslaught.
Samuel Peter: will he get frustrated and off his game if he is not able to find James in the opening rounds, and what will he do if he can't knock out the cagey veteran.
What each fighter must do to win
James Toney: Get down to 220 pounds, avoid the ropes (for the first time in awhile), and make Peter pay with every missed shot.
Samuel Peter: Use your jab, don't go right hand crazy and establish your left hook, and stay patient.
The Outcome Toney, in my opinion, will come in better shape than he did versus Rahman. He will frustrate Peter with his ring savvy and defensive wizardry. I think Toney will be able to handle Peter's shots with his shoulder roll en route to a decision victory.
Alden "The Kid" Chodash, is the newest and youngest member of the Boxing Writers Association Of America as well as webmaster of AldenBoxing.com
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