The rematch became available only after Alexander Povetkin withdrew. Peter had won four consecutive fights against fringe opposition following losses to Vitali Klitschko and Eddie Chambers, but six weeks was hardly ideal preparation for the division’s best heavyweight.
Attacking immediately, Peter pushed Klitschko backward and landed a left hook during the opening round. The aggression briefly resembled the fighter who had frightened Klitschko in 2005. By the second, Klitschko had settled behind his jab and begun catching Peter with straight right hands.
The difference in hand speed was glaring. In their firs
