8th September, 2010
On 11 September, IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (54-3, 48 KO’s) and Samuel Peter (34-3, 27 KO’s) will clash in a long awaited rematch in Germany. ADEBOBOLA ALAWODE sought the views of professional boxers and administrators on their expectations ahead of the bout.
FEMI SHOLANKE, Peter’s former sparring partner.
On paper, Peter has all it takes to defeat Klitschko because the “Nigerian Nightmare†would be going out for an outright win. I believe the Akwa Ibom State-born pugilist knows the task ahead of him. He would not want to lose to Wladimir again. If you could recall during their first fight, Peter sent him to the canvas on three occasions but he lost the bout via split decisions. The time has come for Peter to make amends by reclaiming the title. Peter was my sparring partner before he turned professional, I know him then to be a rugged fighter.
REMI ABODERIN, Secretary Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, (NBBof C)
Peter has the backing of the NBBof C. We are wishing him the best of luck, because in the first place he is fighting for himself and not the country. As a professional boxer; it is only when his name is mentioned that they would refer to him as a Nigerian. If he eventually wins, the money goes into his pocket. The fight is a big opportunity for Peter to rediscover himself and to redeem his battered image.
ISAAC EKPO, National Lightweight Champion
As a soldier I always tell my friends that boxing is like a battlefield where you should be prepared for the worst. Boxing is an individual sport, where you need your strength to overcome your opponent, there is no room for relaxation. Unlike football where you have your teammates to cover up for you whenever you are tired, this is not applicable in boxing. In boxing you don’t have a hiding place, but I know Peter would win the bout.
ONYEKA ELUM, Boxing Manager
As a Nigerian and boxing manager, my wish is to see Peter wins the fight. The reason is that if Peter wins, it would open more windows for other Nigerian boxers to make it big in boxing. It is the wish of every Nigerian that “The Nigerian Nightmare†wins the fight. For example, when he won the interim WBC title, he was able to drag boxing promoter Don King to the country. So you can imagine those that would be willing to visit Nigeria if he wins on Saturday. His victory will open new frontiers for Nigerians.
FEMI AJAYI, Commonwealth Games Silver Medallist
Victory is negotiable for Peter. He is an all round boxer, he was able to knockdown Wladimir on three occasions back in 2005. Peter lost the first bout as a result of poor instructions from his corner. If his corner had adopted a different approach in the first fight he would have won the fight. Since Wladimir is taller than Peter, I expect his coaches to approach the fight in a different fashion. If Peter avoids running away from Wladimir, I see him coming back to the country with the belt.
Mojeed Okedara, National Super Middleweight champion
The die is cast and the stage is set for Peter to rewrite history. He was an interim champion so if he wins Saturday’s fight he would become the first black to reclaim his title. I’m looking forward to the fight with high expectations just like every other Nigerian and boxing enthusiast.
OLADELE PIUS, Boxing enthusiast
I have been praying and fasting for Peter. Keeping vigil for him on Saturday will not be a task too big for me to do. In his previous fights I kept vigil for him, filled up my generator with enough gas because I don’t want PHCN to deny me the opportunity of watching the bout life. This weekend’s won’t be an exception I see Peter defeating Wladimir provided he gets the right instructions from his corner.
KOLA ABIMBOLA, Professional boxer
Saturday’s fight is a must win for Peter. I believe he must have learnt his lessons from the Klitschkos. He also must have learnt that there is no short cut to success. He should be prepared to lay down his life.