Boxing News Boxing News
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“Nigerian Nightmare” reports to camp a full eight weeks before his October 6 title challenge. The hungry tiger has waited so long for this meal that he is already sharpening his fangs, months before the kill.
Mandatory #1 Heavyweight challenger Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter has jumped through so many of boxing’s circus hoops and waited so long to pounce on a heavyweight champion that he is already preparing diligently for the hunt of his dreams. Finally scheduled to challenge WBC King Oleg Maskaev on October 6 at Madison Square Garden, Peter began training a full eight weeks in advance of his big day.
Promoter Dino Duva says a Samuel Peter this motivated and hungry is bad news for Maskaev. “He reported to camp eight weeks before the fight. That means you will see the best Sam Peter ever. A new heavyweight champion will be crowned that night and God help Oleg Maskaev.”
In his previous outing, Peter turned in a career-best performance while establishing his dominance over James Toney. Duva says he’s very impressed by the devotion his young slugger is showing as he nears his destiny. “When he fought James Toney in January, Samuel looked the best he’s ever looked. That was because of a five-week training camp.
“At the time it was his longest. Sam knows that the opportunity to challenge for the heavyweight championship is the chance of a lifetime and he’s working harder than he ever has to take home the belt.”
Manager Ivaylo Gotzev says his man will not only win his first title on October 6, but also light up the once-greatest division in boxing. “We’re putting the heavyweights back in business with this fight. There will be a lot of buzz after this fight when people watch what the new king does to the old one.”
Watching the mice play their games, waiting for his time to strike, Samuel Peter is all done playing. Already hard at work sharpening his reflexes, power and precision, on October 6, the young tiger will be coming with more bite than ever before.
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Workout Quotes
Oleg Maskaev (34-5, 26 KOs)
“The fight is three weeks away and training is great like always, A lot of positive energy in camp. I am doing what I have to do step by step mentally and physically.”
“I have had three or four big fights, but this is one of the biggest fights of my career.”
“I don’t know if Peter is tough or not, we will find out soon enough on October 6…”
“In training, I focus on myself, not Peter. We will find out if Peter is overrated really soon and so will the fight fans.”
“As far as who I fight next, it could be Klitchko, we will see what happens after this fight.”
“I don’t know what is going to happen, but something will happen, I am going there to win.”
“All I have to say to Peter right now is God Bless you.”
Dennis Rapaport (Maskaev promoter)
“People are trying to make Peter the next Mike Tyson, it’s more like Cecily Tyson. Sure Peter is a strong fighter, but he is a bit amateurish.”
“Makaev loss’ came at a low point in his life, he was having managerial issues as well as personal. He was mentally devastated.”
“Since I have been with Maskaev, he has not had any letdowns. Take a look at his career, all his opponents have been quality opponents.”
“As I keep saying, this is a true boxing Cinderella story, every time you see a Cinderella story, Cinderella always prevails and Oleg Maskaev will win on October 6.”
“Maskaev is in shape, Peter is not and Maskaev has ability. This is a case of the bull against the Matador. Oleg will prevail and win, this guy is not the same person, he has a great team and support. He is in shape and he can get in the ring today.”
Samuel Peter (28-1, 22 KOs)
“I have been waiting for a while for this moment and the time is right now. Everything is all about time. When the right time comes it all happens.”
“I am my own fighter, I fight my own battles, and I am ready, I will stop him and I will knock him out.”
“I would like to say thanks for the blessing from Maskaev, but I have already been blessed by the almighty.”
“As far as Maksaev is concerned, I will give him my message in the ring come October 6 at Madison Square Garden.”
Ivaylo Gotzev (Peter Manager)
“Team Maskaev are on an ego building trip. Yes, they have a proven fighter, but we’re here taking over the heavyweight division. They continue to talk about Maskaev’s Cinderella’s story, but his Cinderella story is about to come to an end. The clock is going to run out and he will not make it past midnight.”
“We are on a mission, to crown a new heavyweight king and put the heavyweight division back in business. Peter is from Africa, but he will be representing the world as a heavyweight Champion.”
“October 6 is going to be a rude awaking to a nightmare for Maskaev, especially if he is underestimating Peter.”
Dino Duva (Peter Promoter)
“Regarding the Cecily Tyson comparison, that is insulting and just for that, Samuel is going to make sure that Dennis walks out of MSG after the fight like a sissy.”
“If they are counting on Samuel Peter not being in shape, they are in for a rude awakening. This is the longest that Samuel has ever been in training camp for a long time and he will be in the best shape of his life. Translation, it’s over for Oleg’s Cinderella story.”
“October 6 will mark the beginning of a new glory era for the heavyweight division. The Samuel Peter era.”
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Tickets priced at $400, $250, $150, $100 and $50 (over 14,000 tickets will be $150 or less!) are on sale at the Garden box office and all Ticketmaster locations or by calling Ticketmaster at 212-307-7171, 201-507-8900, 631-888-9000, or 914-454-3388. Ticketmaster purchases are subject to convenience charges.
The main event will also be televised on Showtime Championship Boxing beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the
West Coast.
