Samuel Peter
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Samuel Peter | |
 |
|
| Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Real name | Samuel Okon Peter |
| Nickname | "The Nigerian Nightmare" |
| Weight | Heavyweight |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Birth date | September 6, 1980 |
| Birth place | Akwaibom, Nigeria |
| Style | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 28 |
| Wins | 27 |
| Wins by KO | 22 |
| Losses | 1 |
| Draws | 0 |
| No contests | 0 |
Samuel Okon Peter, nicknamed "The Nigerian Nightmare," is a heavyweight boxer who is considered by many to be one of the hardest punchers in the heavyweight division.[citation needed] He was born in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria on September 6, 1980. Peter has drawn comparisons to a young George Foreman.
[edit] Early years and amateur career
Originally, Peter's preferred sport was soccer. In 1992, some boxers came to Peter's school to train. The curious young 11-year-old stopped by and asked if he could train along with them. He was put up against an experienced amateur and knocked him out.[citation needed] This marked the beginning of a successful amateur career for Peter.
Samuel Peter won the Nigerian amateur heavyweight championship and the Africa Zone 3 Heavyweight championship while compiling an amateur record of 19 wins and only 1 loss. He faced stiff competition as an amateur (including a knockout victory over 2000 Silver Medalist Mukhtarkhan Dildabekov of Kazakhstan). However, he prevailed and was given the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the 2000 Sydney, Australia Summer Olympics.
Peter lost in the quarterfinals to Italian Paolo Vidoz by decision. However, his performance was noted for being very impressive from such a young pugilist and hence more excitement was generated for him than the eventual Gold Medalist, Audley Harrison, whom Peter had lost a very close decision to just a few months before the Olympics.
[edit] Professional Career
Immediately after the Olympics, Ivaylo Gotzev signed on as Samuel Peter's manager. They were then able to land a promotional deal with Dino Duva of Duva Boxing. As of September 2005, Peter's professional ring record stands at 25 wins (21 by way of knockout).
Though Peter posted a string of 1st-round knockouts at the beginning of his career He fought to 2 consecutive decisions against Charles Shufford and Jovo Pudar in 2004. Some critics asked if Peter could exhibit the one-punch knockout power he had exhibited in his early days against stronger opposition.
Peter won a victory against Jeremy Williams on December 4, 2004 by knockout 27 seconds into the second round. He then defeated Yanqui Diaz on January 22, 2005.
Peter then went on to defeat Taurus Sykes in Reno, NV on July 2, 2005 in a title unification match.
On September 24, 2005 Peter faced Wladimir Klitschko in an elimination match in Atlantic City for the IBF and WBO world titles. Despite knocking Klitschko down three times, Klitschko was awarded the win. Some boxing analysts believe that Peter deserved the decision[citation needed].
On December 15, 2005 Peter faced Robert Hawkins and won 10 round decision.
Peter's management recruited trainer Jesse Reid, who had worked with Roger Mayweather and Lamon Brewster. Reid later left Peter to work with Tye Fields.
Peter proceeded to fight James Toney on September 2, 2006 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Most experts expected Toney to win by decision. However, Peter won this bout by decision.
Samuel Peter is a devoutly Christian man who neither drinks nor smokes.[citation needed] He is noted for his cordial approach to interviewers and his reserved and hard-working nature. He lives in Reno, Nevada.
Peter, who is managed by Ivalio Gotsev, is a stablemate to former WBO Heavyweight champion Sergei Liakhovich. Peter is now promoted by Duva Boxing and is trained by longtime friend Pops Anderson as well as former champion Boza Edwards.
