I still rank Chagaev #2, not Peter (based on accomplishments)

Since Klitschko is the clear #1 for a few years now, let's be kind to Peter and ignore his loss to him.


So, what has Peter done since?

-A close win over Toney
-Dominated Toney in the rematch.
-A close win over McCline
-Knocked out Maskaev


What about Chagaev?

-Beat Virchis. I haven't seen the fight, Boxrec says it was a split decision. Virchis is one of the hardest punchers in the division and is ranked #8 two years later, today.
-Knocked out fringe contender Sprott in 8 rounds
-Beat John Ruiz
-Beat champion Valuev
-Got a decision over Skelton in a ***** of a fight

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How do they compare?

It should be noted that every single one of Peter's opponents already had one foot in retirement. Toney was 37 years old, McCline was 37 years old, Maskaev was 39 years old and as good as inactive since 2006 as well as injured. What's more, these weren't easy fights! The first Toney fight was a life and death struggled and although i thought Peter edged it by a single point, many thought Toney won it. In the rematch, Toney looked shot and that was further shown by his struggles with the mediocre Batchelder in his very next fight. It should be noted that Toney's record against rated heavies is 1-2-1-1; only one win in five fights, coming over a shot Holyfield.

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What about McCline? He was a contender back in 2002 but those days have long since gone. Peter just barely survived a knockout loss: if the referee that stopped Lewis against McCall in 1994 was refereering this fight, Peter's record would've read LTKO3 here.
Then there's Maskaev. Good win although he didn't look too impressive and was stunned in the third round and got put on the backfoot.

Now, Chagaev's wins come over fighters in or near their primes. Valuev was 30 years old and well prepared. He has been ranked in the top5 for several years in a row now. Ruiz lost his title to Valuev, but many thought Ruiz won or drew in that fight, so it's clear he was still very good. Chagaev beat him decisively and as much as you can hate his style, Ruiz is very hard to beat. What did Ruiz do in his next fight? He pitched a shutout over the same McCline that nearly beat Peter.

The Sprott and Skelton wins i included because they were both fringe contenders like McCline, but unlike McCline they were soundly beaten.

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So, what is more impressive?

Beating

Maskaev or Valuev? Valuev
Toney (close) or Ruiz (clear)? Ruiz
McCline (close) or Sprott/Skelton? Sprott/Skelton


I think Chagaev did more to earn the #2 spot than Peter. Yes, his recent fight with Skelton was boring as ****. But Skelton does that. Anyone who has made it through Skelton vs Sprott without falling asleep can attest to that.





Yes, Chagaev had a totally boring fight against Skelton.