10.09.05 – During a ceremony, at the Golden Phoenix Casino, where Reno mayor Bob Cashell declared September 6 “Sam Peter Day,” NABF, USBA and NABA Heavyweight Champion Samuel Peter was treated to a “JFK style” serenade to celebrate his 25th birthday when Penthouse Pet Sunset Thomas performed a sultry version of “Happy Birthday” ala Marilyn Monroe for the undefeated slugger.
After the musical treat, which nearly brought the house down, Mayor Cashell presented Peter with a City of Reno sealed proclamation announcing September 6 as Sam Peter Day in the “Biggest Little City in the World.” Peter acknowledged Reno as his new home and went on to say that it is his desire to fight for the heavyweight title there. Peter, 24-0 (21 KOs), who takes on Wladimir Klitschko at the “Boardwalk Brawl” event at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on September 24, has set up camp in Reno at the 4th Street Gym. Reno was also the site of his last fight—a two-round demolition of highly regarded Taurus Sykes..
Reno Mayor, Bob Cashell, said he applauds the future champ’s decision to return. “Sam Peter made a lot of friends in this town. He’s a no-nonsense fighter, who I am confident will finally unite the buckshot-titled heavyweight division. Reno is proud and honored that he has decided to make our town his home away from home. Therefore, I feel it is only right to honor him accordingly.”
Peter, who has been described as having the punch, but not the pomp, of Mike Tyson, is a devout Christian who would rather do his talking in the ring. Boxing patriarch, Lou Duva, has said of Sam, “If fists could speak, this guy would win spelling bees.”
Tickets for the September 24 “Boardwalk Brawl” at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City are available at TicketMaster. They are priced between $50 and $400. The event is presented by Duva Boxing, K-2 Promotions, and Top Rank; in association with Caesars Atlantic City.