Weigh-In Results: Sam Peter 265 – Eddie Chambers 223; John Molina Jr. 132 – Carlos Vinan 134.5
Shawn Estrada 165 – Ray Craig 161; Javier Molina 144.5 – Jaime Cabrera 142; Francisco Santana 153 – Antonio Johnson 154
26.03.09 – By J. Molina – Samuel Okon Peter is not a man of many words, but inside the ring his fists have done the talking. Also known as “The Nigerian Nightmare” his one-punch k.o power has earned him the respect of the heavyweight division.. He represented Nigeria in the 2000 Sydney, Olympics games. Sam reached the quarter finals but was eliminated by the heavyweight silver medalist Paolo Vidoz of Italy.
Although he didn’t obtain a medal in Sydney as an amateur he knocked out the super heavyweight Olympic silver medalist Mukhtarkhan Dildabekov.
Since then Peter’s been a man on a mission, to become the heavyweight champion of the world.
Growing up many of his peers called him a dreamer for setting unrealistic goals.
After years of hard work and dedication Peter accomplished his goal of becoming the first Nigerian heavyweight boxer to obtain the most coveted title in sports the “WBC Heavyweight Championship” By defeating former champion Oleg Maskaev On March 8th, 2008 in Cancun, Mexico.
Although he’s made millions of dollars throughout his career and now lives a lavish lifestyle in Las Vegas, Peter’s passion and dedication to master his craft has raised his bar. In a recent interview Sam stated “my new goal is to not just become a two time champion, but to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world”.
Many of us in the boxing media perceive this as an unrealistic goal, given the fact that he’s lost to the two reigning heavyweight champions, the Klitschko brothers.
In Sam’s last bout on October 11th, 2008 in Berlin, Germany; he lost to Vitali Klitschko via 9th TKO. The Ukrainian giant frustrated and out boxed the defending champion.
Sam has stated that he’s determined to secure a rematch with both Kitsch brothers, but is fully aware that before a rematch he must first redeem and establish himself as a dominating force in the heavyweight division.
This Friday night March 27, 2009 at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles California, Sam is faced with another hungry fighter; Eddie Chambers with a record of 33 -1-18 KO’s ranked #5 by the IBF. The winner could be one step closer to obtaining a title shot.
Since losing his WBC heavyweight championship, Sam Peter has enlisted the services of Manny Masson, who worked with Sam for the two James Toney fights and the Jameel McCline fight.
Manny Masson is a technical specialist, and a strategist of the sweet science.
Also on Peter’s team is Ibn Cason, the man responsible for strength and conditioning, his duty is to insure that Sam performs at optimum peak levels. In 2001 Cason was the strength and conditioning trainer for Hasim Rahman when he knocked out Lennox Lewis to become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
Sam Peter’s relentless manager Ivaylo Gotzev is the mastermind behind the careers of Sam Peter and former WBO heavyweight champion Sergei Lyakhovich, he’s an astute businessman and a fierce negotiator who does not shy away from any challenge. He’s a visionary who can recognize talent when he sees it.
In a recent interview Ivaylo Gotzev stated that on March 27th, Sam Peter’s has a date with destiny, he’s at a cross roads point in his career when he battles Eddie Chambers. His fighter either ascends to another title opportunity with one of the Klitschko brothers, or he becomes an irrelevant force in the heavyweight division. That’s why if you’re a boxing fan, you don’t want to miss this fight live on ESPN Friday night broadcast.
Pascal, McGuinness anchor matinee, see the action first – Only on Super Channel Fights!
EDMONTON / MONTREAL March 27, 2009 – Super Channel, Groupe Yvon Michel and Hennessy Sports team up to bring Canadian fight fans a stirring afternoon of boxing action on Saturday April 4, featuring the return of Super Middleweight contender Jean Pascal, and the sixth pro fight of stellar prospect Logan Cotton McGuinness, LIVE from the Casino de Montreal.
It all gets underway at 3 p.m. ET on Super Channel in vibrant HD.
In his first fight since his stirring loss last December to Carl Froch for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight title, Pascal (21-1, 14 KO’s) faces former world title challenger Pablo Daniel Zamora Nievas (22-5-1, 15 KO’s), of Argentina, in what promises to be a hard-hitting homecoming for the 2004 Canadian Olympian.
In undercard action, undefeated Montreal super bantamweight Oliver Lontchi (17-0-2, 7 KO’s) faces the stiffest test of his career in three-time world title challenger Cecilio Santos (23-9-3, 13 KO’s), and unbeaten lightweight prospect Logan Cotton McGuinness (5-0, 3 KO’s) continues his bruising matriculation against Cesar Figueroa (1-2, 1 KO).
For Pascal, April 4th marks a return to his fighting home, and a chance to continue his quest for a world title.
“I haven’t fought in Quebec for a year and a half. I’m very excited to be fighting in front of my fans again,” Pascal said.
“I learned a lot about myself as a fighter and a man against Froch, and this fight coming up on April 4th is a new beginning for me.”
“What a great way for fight fans to spend a Saturday afternoon,” said Adam Harris, of Hennessy Sports. “Pascal and Lontchi are in critical tests, and McGuinness is looking to continue his rise through the professional ranks.”
“All the fans are telling me it’s a privilege to see Jean fighting on this card in an intimate venue like the Casino,” said Yvon Michel, President of GYM Boxing, Pascal’s promoter.
“Jean is very anxious to show his fans that he’s indeed still one of the best super middleweights in the world.”
“We’re very excited to do business with Super Channel again. Jean’s fight with Froch was on Super Channel, and I couldn’t be happier to be partners with them again.”
CHARITY BOXING EVENT WITH JOHNNY NELSON
Fight fan Mark Harnell will find out what it’s like on the business side of the ropes on April 3 when he faces former world champion Johnny Nelson.
The web designer will box Nelson – who is coming out of retirement for the special event – over three rounds at world famous York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, to raise money for Cancer Research.
It’s a charity close to his heart after he beat testicular cancer four years ago.
A regular ringside through his work for www.frankwarren.tv, Harnell, 35, made the decision to don gloves and a head-guard before Christmas, and has been sparring every day ahead of his big night.
But no amount of training can prepare him for a clash with 42-year-old Nelson, who is still in excellent shape despite retiring from the sport in 2006.
The Entertainer, who held the WBO cruiserweight title for six years and is also a former British and European champion, now works as an analyst for Sky Sports.
“It’s pretty intimidating going up against a former world champion,” said Harnell.
“And although he’s been retired for a couple of years, Johnny has been phoning me up every week to tell me how hard he is punching in the gym!
“But nothing can knock you for six like being told you’ve got cancer, and after battling against it, taking on Nelson should be a walk in the park!”