Two of the prominent figures in the heavyweight division will become relevant to those betting on boxing over the next seven days, as James Toney and Samuel Peter return to the squared circle.

For different reasons, the two former champions had significant layoffs from the ring, and yet, very little in the heavyweight landscape has changed since. The top dogs in the division are still Vitali Klitschko and Wladimir Klitschko, with a host of up and comers such as Eddie Chambers, Cristobal Arreola and Alexander Povetkin waiting for their shot at the strap.

Peter was once the most feared puncher in the division, nicknamed “The Nigerian Nightmare” (a moniker he shares with former NFL great Christian Okoye) for his ferocious knockout power. The heavyset slugger announced his presence by crushing 7’1” Julius Long in the first round, which ironically, prompted the governing bodies to give him a shot at Toney.

The two fought twice, with Peter coming out on top both times, spring boarding him to the WBC heavyweight title, which he lost to Vitali Klitschko as a favorite on boxing odds.

Since then, Peter has slipped into relative obscurity and inactivity, while Toney has struggled to receive a significant opponent.

Are either men capable of relevance once again?

In terms of skills, one would believe that Toney, who is a favorite on boxing lines against Matthew Greer on September 12, has the better chance of winning another title. Unlike Peter, Toney rarely gets hit hard, and has the ability to adapt his style to frustrate virtually any opponent.

Peter--who faces Ronald Bellamy as a huge favorite in the BetUS sportsbook next week—is largely a one-dimensional puncher who has seemingly been exposed by his performance against Klitschko. However, after leaving Don King Promotions to join the Top Rank stable, Peter will finally have solid promotional backing who will move him back up the rankings intelligently.

The veteran Toney has been calling out anyone and everyone in the division, and it would seem that eventually, he’ll get at least one last shot at the strap. His tricky defensive style is foreign to most current fighters, and boxing betting experts believe that he could still give anyone a run on any given night.

In the meantime, head over to BetUS and bet on boxing this weekend. Be sure to pick James Toney and Samuel Peter to continue on smoothly down the comeback trail!