By Scoop Malinowski

The boxing world is excitedly awaiting this absolutely intriguing clash of titans. So many pre-fight angles arouse the boxing observer with curiosity, mystery and titanic titillation: What the hell is going to happen in Berlin on October 11? Is Vitali still Vitali? Is his abundant confidence a bluff, genuine or even a delusion? Can Peter deliver on his tough talk? Has Peter really evolved his style to handle one of the most lethal and destructive heavyweight forces in boxing history?

And don’t dare underestimate what Vitali Klitschko was in the last few years of his active career. Vitali Klitschko was one of the greatest, most effective heavyweight champs there ever was. At his mature best, Vitali possessed everything necessary to combat and yes, conquer against the likes of Holmes, Marciano, Johnson, Foreman, Holyfield, Tyson, Louis and yes, even Muhammad Ali. Fearless, dominant, intelligent, aggressive, vicious, Vitali was winning every fight he was ever in, and he was besting Chris Byrd and Lennox Lewis until, not his will, but his body broke down. Don’t even try to say Vitali’s competition was subpar - the best of any era are still the best. The competition in tennis and golf are not weaker now, and neither is it in heavyweight boxing.

Critics tend to underestimate Vitali’s competition of Kirk Johnson, Danny Williams, Corrie Sanders, etc., but I believe it was the respect of the aura of invincibility of Vitali that influenced them to put on extra weight so as to have more weight behind their punch. They all concluded their only shot was to get lucky and KO Vitali with a home-run punch, as trying to tactically outbox or out-think Klitschko was impossible.

Peter is a more determined rival for Vitali to deal with though. Peter is short and stocky and does have good hand-speed, though his punches are delivered wide and loopy. If Vitali’s amazing reflexes - his ability to lean back and roll his shoulders away from punches - are declined now at 37 - there could be problems in this fight. This question mark about Vitali’s form is an X factor that makes this match so fascinating.

But something about the way Vitali behaved at the New York press conference assured me that Vitali has addressed all areas of concern and taken care of them. I can’t forget his quote: “I am 100% ready now.” And the simple but fierce stare-down he released on Peter had to be disconcerting for Peter. Clearly, there is an element of evilness about Vitali’s competitive countenance which is very intimidating. When it was his turn to speak, Vitali carried himself with a total calm and confidence that seemed to irritate Peter who exuded anxiety and other emotions. There is no doubt, Peter has super high regard for Vitali and he has trained and prepared with more passion than he ever has before. Peter knows it’s the hardest battle of his life, far more complicated than James Toney or Oleg Maskaev, and the champion will compete with desperation and enormous pride to keep the WBC throne based in Nigeria.

While many wonder if Vitali still has the skills and formidability from four years ago, there is always the chance he might actually be superior now. The self-assurance of Vitali was so strong in New York, this notion presented itself into my analysis. Also, there is the big brother syndrome factor, where the tremendous success of little brother Wladimir may actually motivate and inspire Vitali to new heights of performance: Big brother ego must always stay ahead of little brother. As far as I can remember, Vitali has always said his personal dream was to hold all the world heavyweight titles WITH his brother. If Vitali is to achieve his part in this quest, it is urgently imperative he succeed on October 11. He cannot afford to lose now - or his ultimate ambition will have failed.

Despite the risks and dangers of boxing with Peter, it’s easy to envision Vitali winning this fight by stoppage, possibly even a one-sided victory. It’s easy to imagine another vintage performance of precision by Vitali Klitschko, ruthlessly dissecting and then demolishing Peter with a wide assortment of punching variety before round eight.