NIGERIA'S Samuel Peter steps onto the Nokia Centre, California boxing ring knowing that anything short of a clear victory over America's Eddie Chambers will spell the end of his ambition to challenge for the world heavyweight boxing crown, which he lost to Ukraine's Vitali Klitschko last year.
Vitali Klitschko mercilessly beat Peter in Berlin in October 2008, a defeat that made the world believe he lacks the quality of a true champion. Since that beating, the Nigerian Nightmare has been in boxing doldrums liking his wounds and bidding an opportunity to reclaim some of the acclaim he lost on that sad night in Berlin. Now, he has the second chance he has been craving for.
Peter begins the journey of salvation this night (3a.m Nigerian time) when he steps back into the ring against the IBF number three ranked Eddie "Fast" Chambers. Though the fight does not have a world title attached to it, the winner of the bout will once again earn the right to fight for the prestigious World Heavyweight championship.
Peter's scorecard remains 30-2, 23 knockouts, while Eddie Chambers reads 33-1, 18 Kos. Peter, who went into hibernation after the October shock in Berlin, has promised to use this fight to climb back to reckoning and reclaim the world title. Speaking through Elisha Attai of Studio 115, the Akwa Ibom-born pugilist promised to bring back smiles to the faces of teeming Nigerians who have since lost face after his ignominious defeat.
"He knows this is an opportunity for him to make amends," Attai said. "He is in good shape and will come out triumphant."
The 26-year-old Chambers has been smoking verbally, promising to use his lightening speed to out-punch Peter. He boasted: "I will beat Sam Peter, and do it convincingly, to get in position for my well deserved World title shot. Peter is a big man, and a powerful puncher with both hands, and I give him his respect.
"But come tomorrow (today), he'll find out about my power and speed. This is a big fight for me and I promise an exciting fight for the fans. It's major heavyweight boxing thriller."
While Chambers has been boasting about his chances in the fight, Peter says his punches would speak for him on the ring. He has exactly the right mix of personal dignity and savage ferocity that heavyweight boxing needs. A win will definitely catapult him to the prime position to regain his lost glory.
Meanwhile, national boxing coach, Obisia Nwankpa, has called on Nigerians to pray for Peter's victory over Chambers. Nwankpa told journalists at the Lagos National Stadium that Peter has the quality to beat Chambers, though he admitted that he was worried by the Nigerian's weight. He said: "I have always been saying that Peter is too heavy as a boxer and, when a boxer is not disciplined, he adds unnecessary weight.
"What makes you a good boxer or sportsman is to deprive yourself many things you are supposed to be eating or drinking. Any athlete who does not live to fully discipline himself does not go anywhere. So, the problem of Peter is his body weight.
"He believes he is big and will have a bigger punch. But, if your punch is heavy and has no speed, the effect of the punch is zero."
Vitali Klitschko mercilessly beat Peter in Berlin in October 2008, a defeat that made the world believe he lacks the quality of a true champion. Since that beating, the Nigerian Nightmare has been in boxing doldrums liking his wounds and bidding an opportunity to reclaim some of the acclaim he lost on that sad night in Berlin. Now, he has the second chance he has been craving for.
Peter begins the journey of salvation this night (3a.m Nigerian time) when he steps back into the ring against the IBF number three ranked Eddie "Fast" Chambers. Though the fight does not have a world title attached to it, the winner of the bout will once again earn the right to fight for the prestigious World Heavyweight championship.
Peter's scorecard remains 30-2, 23 knockouts, while Eddie Chambers reads 33-1, 18 Kos. Peter, who went into hibernation after the October shock in Berlin, has promised to use this fight to climb back to reckoning and reclaim the world title. Speaking through Elisha Attai of Studio 115, the Akwa Ibom-born pugilist promised to bring back smiles to the faces of teeming Nigerians who have since lost face after his ignominious defeat.
"He knows this is an opportunity for him to make amends," Attai said. "He is in good shape and will come out triumphant."
The 26-year-old Chambers has been smoking verbally, promising to use his lightening speed to out-punch Peter. He boasted: "I will beat Sam Peter, and do it convincingly, to get in position for my well deserved World title shot. Peter is a big man, and a powerful puncher with both hands, and I give him his respect.
"But come tomorrow (today), he'll find out about my power and speed. This is a big fight for me and I promise an exciting fight for the fans. It's major heavyweight boxing thriller."
While Chambers has been boasting about his chances in the fight, Peter says his punches would speak for him on the ring. He has exactly the right mix of personal dignity and savage ferocity that heavyweight boxing needs. A win will definitely catapult him to the prime position to regain his lost glory.
Meanwhile, national boxing coach, Obisia Nwankpa, has called on Nigerians to pray for Peter's victory over Chambers. Nwankpa told journalists at the Lagos National Stadium that Peter has the quality to beat Chambers, though he admitted that he was worried by the Nigerian's weight. He said: "I have always been saying that Peter is too heavy as a boxer and, when a boxer is not disciplined, he adds unnecessary weight.
"What makes you a good boxer or sportsman is to deprive yourself many things you are supposed to be eating or drinking. Any athlete who does not live to fully discipline himself does not go anywhere. So, the problem of Peter is his body weight.
"He believes he is big and will have a bigger punch. But, if your punch is heavy and has no speed, the effect of the punch is zero."
-culled from the Guardian
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