Sam Peter retains title, but questions remain
Photo and report by Rob Scott at Ringside (Oct 9, 2007) DoghouseBoxing        
Going into Sam Peter’s first defense of his newly acquired WBC interim championship, Peter and his camp had told anyone that would listen, that he was the very best heavyweight in the world. I’ve often said that if something is said enough times, there will be some that will start to believe. As the bout neared, that some turned into many, as the thought of Peter being the best in the world began to grow.
 
After Oleg Maskaev pulled out of their long awaited scheduled match up, in comes three time former heavyweight title
challenger, Jameel ‘Big Time’ McCline. McCline, coming off of an unsuccessful attempt at the WBA championship this past January, was seen more as ‘Decline’ McCline, as opposed to his ‘Big Time’ moniker, and was thought to be a good opponent for Peter to show his worth, but at the same time, not be a threat in Peter’s quest to ultimately face the Klitschko brothers, Maskaev, and anyone else who stands in the way of him truly being considered the best.
 
After a feel out first round, McCline landed a counter uppercut in the final second of the second round, sending Peter to the canvas, and the fans to their feet. The common consensus at ringside though, was Peter had been dropped, but it was a flash knockdown at best.
 
Now fast forward to round three and McCline lands another ‘Big Time’ uppercut just seconds in. This perfectly placed shot put Peter on Queer Street, and after a further barrage, placed Peter on the mat for a second time in the fight. As Peter again hit the canvas, again the fans rose out of their seats, as it seemed a major upset was in the making. With the crowd roaring, Peter rose on unsteady legs, but this time with McCline moving in for the kill with plenty of time on the clock. McCline battered Peter around the ring, eventually dropping him for yet a third time. To Peter’s credit, he
weathered McCline’s assault and survived the round.
 
McCline’s performance from this point seemed like that of a person who pulled out his gun, but didn’t have many bullets. Yes one shot may kill, but it has to hit a vital spot; if it's grazing, it may hurt, but more bullets will be needed. McCline’s gun ran out of ammo, allowing Peter to stay in the fight, and ultimately let him take the decision by the official scores of 113-112, 115-111 and 115-110.  
 
Resiliency, a trait that goes a long way in the rough and tumble sport of boxing, was shown by Peter on this night.  He took a licking in round three and kept on ticking. But for the ones who weren’t convinced of Peter’s worth, he supplied ammunition for their negative thought of him; as well, he could have lost a few of those who were teetering on that fence of acknowledging his legitimacy.
 
Former heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe was overheard at the post fight press conference questioning Peter’s worth, saying if Peter had faced Maskaev on this night, the Russian would have indeed won. Now it’s easy to brush aside Bowe’s thought as one of a faded champion who is trying to somehow stay in the light, but strangely enough, Bowe wasn’t the only one that had their questions about Peter.
 
Talking to former IBF cruiserweight champion Al ‘Ice’ Cole in Atlantic City, the night before the Jermain Taylor/Kelly Pavlik war, Cole played the role of a prophet of sorts. Having worked as a sparring partner for many a heavyweight like Wladimir Klitschko amongst others, but having been turned away for by team Peter for more soft touches, Cole boldly told me, “Don’t be surprised if McCline pulls off the upset. Peter hasn’t been his best in training. Peter isn’t ready for a hard fight.” While Peter did pull it out, Cole reminded me after the fight of our conversation the week before, and how McCline did indeed almost pull off the upset.

In contrast, Bowe and others sit on the side where there is no faith in Peter’s claim to be the best; while Cole and some feel Peter needs more preparation, and when that true preparation occurs, then, and only then, will Peter break out from the pack.  
 
Perception wise, you’re only as good as your last fight – in most cases. This last fight showed that Peter is susceptible to an uppercut and a left hook, as he was hit with that hook on more than one occasion. These are things that can be worked on in the gym. Unfortunately, Peter, now 29-1 (22), was hurt in this fight very badly, and it’s hard to figure out whether the chin is as sturdy as once thought, or was it McCline, now 38-8-3 (23), whose performance level declined, that made it possible for Peter to remain on his feet at the final bell.  
 
“I was knocked down, but I get back up,” said Peter.  “I will always get up if I go down. That makes a champion. I want to fight the best out there.”
 
During the post fight press conference, Don King made reference to the injuries sustained by the elite Russian fighters in the past months that have caused major postponements. King referred to it as “That dreaded Russian back disease.” He said, “We must find a cure for this ailment.” Now King did get a lot of laughter from his comment, but the reality is these fighters will indeed have to eventually step up or step aside. That could be hell for them, but after this night, there is some arguments that it may be just as much a hell for Peter as well.
 
How will Peter fare with the other champs, or even someone like the crowd favorite of the night, Andrew Golota, 40-6-1 (33)? Golota, who like a cat with nine lives, placed himself back into the heavyweight picture with an exciting 6th round TKO over Mike Tyson conqueror Kevin McBride, 34-6-1 (29), on the undercard. Many would argue that Golota has a bigger punch than McCline, and at the very least, would be thought to have that proverbial puncher's chance. 
 
Peter’s co-promoter Dino Duva said, “We haven’t seen anywhere near Sam’s potential. The best has yet to come.” While he said that in a positive manner, questions are abounding about that potential, and when will it come; because he survived the McCline battle, but he will have to face others that will bring more weaponry into future wars.






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