Former WBC Heavyweight Champion Samuel Peter (32-2, 23 KOs) is a man of his word. After losing his title to Vitali Klitschko last October in Germany, the powerful slugger vowed to redeem himself by taking on the best the division has to offer on his road back to the top. And to prove he means what he says, Peter will jump right back into the thick of it against once-beaten and IBF #3 rated “Fast” Eddie Chambers (33-1, 18 KOs) on March 27 at the Nokia Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, California, and televised live on ESPN2 “Friday Night Fights”..
“Samuel Peter has decided not to play safe for even one fight. Who else in the heavyweight division would choose an opponent like Eddie Chambers for his first fight back since losing the title?” asked Peter’s promoter, Dino Duva of Duva Boxing. “Eddie Chambers has only lost once in his career in a respectable performance against Alexander Povetkin. And he has beaten Calvin Brock, Derric Rossy and Dominick Guinn among his 33 wins. “
Chambers, 3-0 against solid opposition since the Povetkin fight, has a slick style and busy jab that could present problems for Peter. “This is hardly a tune-up fight for Samuel,” Duva continued. “Eddie Chambers is #3 in the IBF; Samuel is #5. The winner of this matchup will almost surely move very close to a mandatory title shot.”
Having proclaimed his mission to bring excitement to heavyweight boxing since early in his career, Peter has never shied away from big matchups. In addition to facing both Klitschko brothers, “The Nigerian Nightmare” sought out James Toney and beat him (twice) and knocked out Oleg Maskaev to win the title.
“Samuel had a terrible night against Vitali and he’s sworn to himself and his fans to make up for it by only taking meaningful fights against top opponents. Eddie Chambers has tremendous hand speed and technique and he makes for a very intriguing match. I commend Samuel for choosing to come back against one of the world’s top contenders this way. Once again, the heavyweight division is looking to Samuel Peter to bring back the excitement and he intends on rewarding his loyal fans by regaining the title very soon.”
“This is a very important fight for Samuel’s career,” admits Peter’s manager Ivaylo Gotzev, “and a lot of experts call it a very dangerous fight for him coming back. After he proves them wrong, he will re-establish himself as one of the top heavyweights in the world. It’s only a mater for time before he fights for the title again where he will prove what happened in Germany was a fluke.”
Jermain Taylor Participating in Newsday March Madness Tournament
MIAMI, Thursday, March 19 – Jermain Taylor who is in training for his upcoming WBC Super Middleweight title bout against Carl Froch , took time out from training to put his basketball knowledge to the test in Newsday’s March Madness Tournament (Off The Glass Bracket Challenge). Newsday asked 10 athletes and basketball experts to fill out March Madness brackets so college basketball fans could compare their picks against the pros.
The standings will be updated after each round and can be followed by going to http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/local/ basketball/scoop/blog/2009/03/ otgs_inaugural_local_sports_pe.html .
Taylor an avid basketball fan, has Louisville, Duke, Memphis and North Carolina going to the Final Four. Other participants include, John Maine, pitcher, New York Mets, Neal Heaton, former pitcher, New York Yankees, Kyle Okposo, forward, New York Islanders, Radek Martinek, defenseman, New York Islanders, Craig Carton, radio personality, WFAN, Nick DiPillo, assistant coach, New York Liberty, WNBA, Funny Cide, New York- thoroughbred, winner of Kentucky Derby and Preakness, Arthur Staple, Newsday basketball writer, Mark Dwyer, Newsday blogger, “Off the glass”
Carl Froch vs. Jermain Taylor will do battle on Saturday, April 25, on Showtime Championship Boxing from MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Mashantucket, Conn. The telecast will air live at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The fight card is being promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Hennessy Sports.
Tickets are on sale now and priced at $200, $100, $75 and $50. Tickets are available at www.mgmatfoxwoods.com your local Ticket Master and MGM Grand Box Office 866-646-0649.
Jakubowski Steps Back Into Ring For “Big” Ty On “Date With Destiny”
March 19 (Merrillville, In) – If there was ever someone that was destined to be a professional boxer it would be “Big” Ty Allen Ortiz. Ortiz who has spent his last several years as the General Manager/Site Coordinator for Octavius James’ One In A Million Inc, has boxing flowing through his veins, but the 25 year-old heavyweight has never had a professional or amateur fight until he steps into the ring on Saturday, April 25th, 2009 for “Date With Destiny” at the Hammond Civic Center 5825 Sohl Ave.
“He is a good guy, you like him when you meet him. Polite and he’s very well spoken”. Jakubowski said. Jakubowski finished with 114-7 career record and has now taken on the role as special advisor to Ortiz. “It’s an honor to be involved with (Ortiz) he has above average skills for a heavyweight,” said Jakubowski “His trainer (referring to Carlos Jones) is a very capable and will we all on the same page, Tyree will be ready”.
“This is a chance for me to live out my childhood dream and it will be a dream come true with an opportunity to carry out a proud family tradition at the same time,” added Ortiz. “This whole boxing career has been inspired by one of my friends First Lieutenant Jared Landaker who passed two years ago while fighting for our country in Iraq. I have spoken with his parents and with their permission I want to show respect for him and his family and honor his memory.”
“When I told my dad that I wanted to (turn professional), he asked me what Octavius thought first,” said Ortiz.
“I was blown away that Richard (Ortiz) left the decision up to me and at the same time I was honored,” said James. “It’s scary because this is one place I can’t go for Ty, once he steps into the ring against another heavyweight he is on his own, but we will support him in anything he chooses to do.” James said.
Ortiz’s father Richard has trained the likes of The Contenders Joey Gilbert, MMA star Diego Sanchez and any many more, but now his son becomes his next top prospect. “For me it’s wonderful to see him (boxing) and it’s an honor to wrap his hands and be in his corner on fight night,” said Richard Ortiz. “My son is a very cerebral fighter and very bright, those are the toughest types of fighters.”
After Ortiz, who has sparred with former world champion Andrew Golota and former MMA champion Rico Rodriguez as a teenager decided he was turning professional; he called upon the help of people starting with his father Richard, former world class fighter Marty Jakubowski, trainer Carlos Jones & Octavius James. “To have my dad, Team One In A Million, Carlos &Marty behind me, definitely makes me feel confident going into this fight,” Ortiz said.
Tickets for “Date with Destiny” can be purchased at VIP $100, VIP ringside $75, ringside $50, and general admission $30 and they are available from any Ticket Master location at (219) 791-1234, (312) 559-1212, (866) 438-7372 or www.TicketMaster.com and at the Hammond Civic Center Box Office.
The Hammond Civic Center, 5825 Sohl Ave. just 20 minutes from downtown Chicago, will open doors at 6 p.m. with the first bout at 8 p.m.