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Samuel Peter -1st Nigerian WBC Heavyweight Champion

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(Photo LUIS ACOSTA/AFP/Getty Images)

Nigerian Samuel Peter (R) fights against Oleg Maskaev of Russia during their professional boxing WBC World Champion heavyweight in Cancun, Mexico on March 8, 2008. Nigeria's Samuel Peter registered a sixth-round technical knockout of Oleg Maskaev to capture the World Boxing Council heavyweight title. Peter stopped Maskaev at two minutes, 56 seconds of the sixth round to become the first Nigerian boxer to win a heavyweight championship belt.

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May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria contributing to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

Peter Dethrones Maskaev

http://www.boxnews.com.ua/news.php?id=4050&lng=en

Samuel Okon Peter (born September 6, 1980 in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria), nicknamed "The Nigerian Nightmare," is a heavyweight boxer and the current WBC heavyweight champion. He is considered by many to be one of the strongest punchers in the heavyweight division.

Boxing Record

Total fights 31
Wins 30
Wins by KO 23
Losses 1
Draws 0
No contests 0

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Peter
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May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria contributing to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

Fashola, Oyinlola Hail Samuel Peter

Nigerian Tribune
Niyi Alebiosu
12.03.2008

The governors of Osun and Lagos states, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Babatunde Raji Fashola have joined million of Nigerians in congratulating the new World Boxing Council(WBC) champion, Samuel Peter “the Nigerian Nightmare”. Peter decisioned Russian Oleg Maskaev in round six of their 12-round bout in the early hours of Sunday in Mexico to become the first Nigerian and African to rule the World boxing heavyweight class.

Oyinlola through his Press Secretary, Kayode Oladeji said that Peter’s victory showed that Nigeria could lead the world in all spheres of life adding that, strong determination could see the people through as a nation. He stated that Nigerian youths should believe in themselves and the nation as well. He also noted in an e-mail message that the youth should direct their restiveness to something positive that will always portray the image of the country in good light.

In his congratulatory message to the boxer, governor Fashola speaking through the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Prince Ademola Adeniji-Adele commended the Akwa Ibom State-born boxer and also enjoined all Lagosians to congratulate the new world boxing champion. He said Peter’s victory over Maskaev was in line with the state government's vision and mission to help the youth achieve greatness through sports. According to him, “the victory has shown to the world that Nigeria is great and should be respected for greatness and that something positive is always coming from the country as against the bad image some people are giving the country.”

Also speaking in the same vein was the Chairman, Lagos Divisional Football Association (LDFA), Dotun Coker who described the feat achieved by Peter as superlative and the best thing to have happened to the country. He appealed to other Nigerian youths in sports to emulate the determination in Peter and achieve success for the country at international level as well.
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May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria contributing to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

Peter's Victory Will Open Doors for Nigerian Boxers, says Oboh

Guardian
Adeyinka Adedipe
& Olalekan Okusan
11th March '08

Former undefeated British and Commonwealth light heavyweight champion, Peter Oboh, believes that the feat achieved by Nigeria's Samuel Peter at the weekend would open doors for upcoming Nigerian boxers.

Oboh described Peter's triumph over Oleg Maskaev in Mexico as deserved, considering his performance in the encounter. According to Oboh, who spoke from Brockley, England yesterday, "in boxing, there are lots of politics and these had in the past denied the likes of David Izonritie the opportunity to fight for the world title.

"Although they are as good as Peter, they never got there because of the politics in the game. It takes a man to make a way for others and Peter has indeed opened the door for other boxers. It is now going to be easier for Nigerian boxers to aim for the world title.

"This was what Azuma Nelson did for Ghanaians when he won the world title. After Dick Tigers achieved such feat in the 60s, there was no Nigerian that has been able to get up there. For now, what Peter should do is to keep off boxing and dream again. In his return, he should face Vladimir Klitsko, who I believe is no match.

"I knew Peter was robbed when Klitsko won their first fight and this time, Peter can knock him down because he cannot withstand him (Peter) in the ring. I am personally happy that my countryman has become the first black African to win the highest boxing title and being the first Nigerian to achieve such feat."

Continuing, Oboh said: "I want to really commend the media for giving Peter such publicity and I think this really encouraged him to go all out against any of his opponents.

"Nigerians in Britain are excited that a Nigerian is being crowned the world heavyweight champion at last. This is indeed an opportunity for any Nigerian boxer going to the Olympic Games because most promoters will be targeting them and they should try and win medals to be able to follow Peter's footstep.

"Though Peter never won an Olympics medal, it was clear that he would rule the world and this really attracted lots of promoters to him."

Oboh, now a cleric, is confident that if Nigerian boxers are supported, they would rule the boxing world. He advised: "What our boxers need is support and if they can be supported by the government and individuals, they will aim high in the game. If a boxer knows that his welfare is guaranteed, he will definitely work hard.

"Prior to Barcelona '92, the late Brai Ayonote really worked hard and this helped the boxer to win medals at the Olympic Games and All Africa Games. We need people like that who will go all out to encourage the boxers. We should capitalise on Peter's success to focus on boxing as a way to mould another world champion.

"I believe that in Nigeria we can produce world champions in every category, but the boxers must be motivated always and this will also create jobs for them. I am indeed happy that the sacrifices of the likes of Jeremiah Okorodudu and a host of others have been crowned by Peter's victory last weekend."

For Super Eagles former coordinator, Sunmonu Bello-Osagie, the government should leverage upon Peter's feat. Bello-Osagie, who watched the bout in Mexico, told The Guardian on phone yesterday that this should serve as an avenue for the authorities to reorganise the game in the country.

"I must commend Peter for the victory. He has given Nigerians something big to cheer about in a very long time," he said. "I would say this is the victory of the country because no one could have thought a Nigerian would one day win the heavyweight title. The government needs to leverage on the victory to portray Nigeria in good light to the whole world."

He described the venue of the bout as electrifying, as over 5,000 supporters at the match waved Nigerian flag: "I was really happy to be a Nigerian on that day. Black, white and Caucasian, even the locals were all waving Nigerian flag. It was good being a Nigerian," he enthused.

"I want to say a big congratulations to Peter and also thank him for bringing glory to Nigeria. His efforts would surely be rewarded." He further lauded the efforts of the Akwa Ibom State Government for sponsoring Peter's training programme in the United States (U.S.) while calling on other state governments to take a cue from that.

© Guardian Newspapers Limited
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May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria contributing to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

Photos of Samuel Peter As A Proud Ambassador of Nigeria

Samuel Peter and his Dad

Samuel Peter

http://www.boxnews.com.ua/foto.php?gid=749&id=6797&lng=en#top

http://www.boxnews.com.ua/foto.php?gid=749&id=7232&lng=en#top
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May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria contributing to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

Samuel Peter, First African to Win World Boxing Heavy Weight Championship Belt

http://mypenmypaper.wordpress.com...g-heavy-weight-championship-belt/
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May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria contributing to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

Samuel Peter's Victory

Daily Champion
EDITORIAL
4 October 2007

In an age where boxing's heavyweight division is considered to be at an all-time low, Samuel Okon Peter has come as a breadth of fresh air. Peter, nicknamed 'The Nigerian Nightmare' because of his prowess in the roped square, is being hailed by experts and fans alike as the fighter with the greatest chance to resurrect the status of the heavyweight division and become the sport's next star.

From a humble beginning, Peter, who is highly rated by the four leading boxing bodies, World Boxing Council (WBC), International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Organisation (WBO), has become the toast of world boxing. His emergence last week as the WBC Heavyweight champion, following injury to erstwhile title holder, Oleg Maskaev of Khazakstan, is the reward of years of hard work, determination, consistency and focus.

Peter had been scheduled to fight Maskaev on October 6 in the popular Madison Square Garden in the United States. However, a statement from Maskaev's camp to the effect that the boxer could not stand in contest as a result of multiple disc herniation injury and would be inactive for the next three or four months, made it imperative for a decision to be taken.

Rules 1.26 (4) and 1.27 of the WBC Rules and Regulations explicitly allow the WBC, in an instance where an interim title is applicable, to recognize as interim champion the winner of a previous elimination fight. Samuel Peter won not only one, but two final elimination bouts in a row against James Toney in September 2006, and in January 2007. As a result of the foregoing, the WBC Board of Governors in a move aimed at ensuring that its heavyweight division does not remain frozen conclusively, voted to name Peter the WBC Heavyweight champion.

Interestingly, the hero of the moment is following in the footsteps of compatriots like Richard 'Dick Tiger' Ihetu, 'Hogan Kid' Bassey, Bash Ali, Henry Akinwande and especially Ijeoma 'The Praise' Egbunine who has World Boxing Empire (WBE) and Women's International Boxing Federation (WIBF) world titles to her credit.

Going back to his tutelage, Peter was not known to have boxing as his favourite sport. Football came to him naturally as the sport he desired to grow up with. But in 1992, some boxers came to Peter's school to train. The curious 11-year-old stopped by and asked if he could train along with them.

And when he was pitted against an experienced amateur, he knocked him out. This was simply the beginning of the young Samuel's career. A former successful Nigerian and African Zone 3 amateur heavyweight champion, Peter went on to represent Nigeria at the Sydney 2000 Olympics where he lost in the quarter-finals.

Carrying with him an intimidating record of 28 wins from 29 fights, 22 of which were KOs, his performance at the Olympics did not go unnoticed. Hence, Ivaylo Gotzev signed on as Peter's manager. The Nigerian pugilist made his professional debut on February 6, 2001in a fight promoted by Dino Duva.

His association with this renowned promoter, saw him through several American championship fights, some of which fetched him NABF, USBA and NABA titles. By far the most daunting of all is his first elimination fight against Wladimir Klitschko for the IBF and WBO world titles. Despite knocking down his Ukrainian opponent on three occasions, the judges went ahead to deny Peter victory.

Rather than being discouraged, Peter was able to overcome the temporary setback as he notched up some wins to set the stage for a fight with heavyweight contender James 'The Lights Out' Toney. The fight on September 2, 2006 at the Staples Centre in Los Angelos, California, was for the right to challenge WBC Heavyweight champion, Oleg Makaev. Peter won the fight and also a quick-fix rematch against same Toney.

Between the time of the questionable rematch and now, a lot of high-tech intrigues has got in the way of Samuel Peter, one of which was the temptation to drop his title bid for a reported purse of two million dollars. Outright rejection of the offer brought out the consistency and the focus of the man who today is the reigning WBC Heavyweight champion.

Credit must be given to Nigerian boxing authorities who groomed Peter through the amateur ranks, and the Nigeria Police who have kept him in their employ till date. In any event, it is a sad commentary that young Nigerians who today admire Samuel Peter's achievements, would not find a career life-line, given the crisis rocking Nigerian boxing.

As Peter gets set so soon for his first title defence against WBC Inter-continental champion, Jameel 'Big Time' Mccline of the United States, on October 6, 2007, we urge the 27-year-old prize-fighter to keep his head, while well-meaning Nigerians, government and corporate bodies should rally round this worthy son of the soil.

Copyright © 2007 Daily Champion
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May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria contributing to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

Samuel Okon Peter Official Website

http://www.samuel-peter.com/
_________________
May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria contributing to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

Samuel Peter Ignores $2.5m Boxing Offer

This Day
Femi Atoyebi
18 July 2007

Nigeria's heavyweight boxing title hopeful, Samuel Peter, who is scheduled to fight Oleg Maskaev in October for the world heavyweight title looked aside when an offer of $2.5 million was tabled for him to step aside from fighting Vladmir Klitzchko in 2004.

According to Pastor Ita Peter, the immediate elder brother of Samuel and chairman of 'Aspiration 2007', the development demonstrated how much the boxer loves the Nigerian flag, stressing that athletes on big stage should always see the country as paramount in whatever they aspire to achieve. He also called on Nigerians to rally round the boxer, so that his dream of putting Nigeria in the list of heavyweight champions will come to reality.

Aspiration 2007 is an association formed to rally support for Samuel as he challenges for the title in October. Brila FM chairman, Larry Izamoje, whose company is shouldering the project is the national coordinator.

"I met Samuel in April while on a shot trip to the United States and I saw in him a truly patriotic Nigerian, who is ready to shun all the money in the world to drop his dream of winning a world title in Nigeria's name.

He asked that the nation's flag be hoisted at the ringside where he trains. He lost the fight to Klitzchko after knocking him down twice. But the intimidation only drives him stronger. He had to fight and beat James Toney twice instead of once before qualifying to fight for the title.

This is proudly Nigerian project and this is the time to arise and show love to a Nigerian willing to excel in the country's colour," he said. Ita Peter said the target is to get ten million signatures, calling on companies and individuals to support the dream financially.

"To be listed in Samuel Peter fan for the fight, all you need to do is to demonstrate your support with one thousand naira, payable to a bank to be named soon as official banker." He also hinted that companies who commit up to ten million naira will have a ringside ticket to the Las Vegas venue while their names will be listed in the project website and encyclopaedia-like book that will contain names of those who supported Samuel for the fight.

Copyright © 2007 This Day

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May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria contributing to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm