Where would Vitlai Klitschko’s comeback rate if he defeats Sam Peter?

Where would Vitlai Klitschko’s comeback rate if he defeats Sam Peter?

Here is the situation. Vitlai will be facing Sam Peter, who is in his prime, and rated #2 by Ring Magazine.

Vitlai Klitschko is 37 years olf. He has not fought since December 2004, which is means by the time he and Peter fight, it will likely be 3 ½ years of in-activity. In addition to the ring rust, Vitlai has had to battle knee and back injuries. No man that I can think of has ever come back to win a belt with a three way obstacle of age, ring rust, and a major injury against him. Not one.

In the history of gloved boxing, the only heavyweight I can recall that came back at age 36+ after a 3+ lay of to win a title was George Foreman. In truth, it took Foreman had many warm up fights, and needed three tires to win a world title belt back. Foreman lost his first two chances and was defeated by Holyfield and Morrison.

Vitlai is not having any warm up fights. The annuals of fistic glory have had several instances where X linear / Ring Magazine Champions have tried to regain their title after a lay off, at an older age, but have failed. Jeffries could not do it. Dempsey could not do it. Louis could not do it. Liston could not do it. Holmes could not do it. Foreman did it, but it took three tires, and the perfect match up for him to pull the upset. If Vitlai defeats Sam Peter, where does this rate on the heavyweight comeback scale?

 

Well, Leonard was only 31, and out of the game for 3 years. Being 37 and out of the game 4 years is a huge differnce. Leonard's injury was his eye. He did not injury his back, shoulder, or knee as Vitlai has.

Nor was Leonard in an estimated 300 combat matches like Vitlai was with amatuer boxing, amateur kick boxing, pro -kick boxing, and pro boxing. That is a lot of wear and tear.

In truth, Hagler was on the downside of his career when Leonard beat him. In fact he was being out boxed by Mugabi ( GASP ! ) at one point until coming on late to score a TKO. The poor showing by Hagler helped Leonard make up his mind to come back.

While Peter isn't in Hagler's class legacy wise, he is in his prime, much younger, and an alphabet champion too. #2 in the world right now at Heavyweight.

 

Fair enough. Thanks for the reply, but history will remember it was an " 8 " on this poll.

 

Harsh. Have you seen older versions of Joe Louis, or Ali try to come back when the were 35+. They got their can's kicked. Peter would have beaten those older versions of past legends.


Unlike Hagler, this is a prime Sam Peter. Peter is 28 years old, and has 4 wins in a row over contenders, plus the WBC belt.