Many people here said 4 yr layoff was too much to overcome. He wasn't Ali or even L. Lewis, but 73 punches a round, and those shots were hard, impressed me. V.K. has always fought somewhat defensive minded, so it didn't surprise me that he didn't engage Peter, he didn't need to. I admit a better heavyweight may have given him trouble. Congrats Vitali, on a well fought, well deserved comeback!
Credit where credit's due, fantastic achievement to do what he did after everything he's been through
What people do not understand and what many of the critics of Vitali failed to look at is that Vitali has been in professional sports for over 20 years. He also had a long amateur history as well. The four years off was exactly what he needed to rest up and in those four years he did not stop conditioning he just needed time to rest up from all the punishment boxing takes on the body.
What he did was nothing short of incredible and he has certianly set a precedent and made history as far as comebacks go. ...., and not only did he win, he won very decisively. As for what percentage of Vitali showed up, I'd say at least 100%. The guy lost nothing over those four years, and was probably in his finest form in that fight last night. As good, if not better, than ever, at 37 after four years and three surgerieis......That is unheard of in boxing.
I didn't think Vitali looked quite his best. But I think his gameplan was better than it usually is...a lot of thought went into that plan of his. He counterpunched Peter over and over, and would keep him off balance by getting there first continuously. He was a pinch slower but he definitely thought out what he wanted to do, so kudos to him. That was a great performance for 4 years off.
