Peter Blasts Maskaev in Six; Campbell Upsets Diaz

Before I bask in the glory of my latest successful big fight prediction, Samuel Peter knocking out Oleg Maskaev inside of eight rounds, I am obliged to discuss the undercard first. Nate Campbell’s (32-5, 25 KOs) bloody, hard-fought decision victory over Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz (33-1, 17 KOs) was the fight of the night. After several years of coming close to major title fights at 130 and 135 pounds, Campbell can finally exhale.

The man also known as the Galaxxy Warrior jumped on the Baby Bull early and forced a hellish pace. It was exciting to watch, but I wondered how long it would be exciting, as Diaz lives for this high-output style and Campbell isn’t exactly what you would call a spring chicken at 36 years of age.

Nonetheless, Campbell stayed true to his game plan throughout the fight and somehow threw more punches than the punching machine Diaz. Sure, he was aided by an unintentional head butt that drew first blood on the Baby Bull. But the story was simple: Campbell turned back the clock and outworked the younger Diaz on this night. It was hard to see any of these guys lose, because they both epitomize what it means to be hard-working, consummate professionals in the ring. In the end, the better man (Campbell) won.

Samuel Peter proved me right. His power was ultimately too much for Maskaev to handle. I will admit that I got the knockout punch wrong (a right hand, rather than a left hook did most of the damage) but the fight played out pretty much as I had envisioned. Peter showed improved defense, took a few very good punches, and Maskaev, as per usual, was betrayed by his chin in the end.

What’s next for Peter? I prefer a matchup with the best heavyweight in the world, Wladimir Klitschko, for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world. However, a matchup with Wladimir’s older brother Vitali Klitschko appears to be in the cards. The reasons are due to what I coin "alphabelt poli-tricks." This phenomenon robs the fans, but lines the pockets of the sanctioning bodies.

On a night that provided a great fight in the lightweight division (Nate Campbell’s upset win) and some clarity in the heavyweight ranks as well (Peter’s knockout), the notion of Samuel Peter fighting Vitali Klitschko was the perfect killjoy. Well, that’s boxing for you, but I still love it.  And no, I am not crazy!