IT’S not always easy being the former Heavyweight Champion of the World. For most of them, the time spent at the top is short. They always want to come back. For others, they burn their wealth on the fast track of life and become paupers and move over to their rags story. For many others, they hang in too long and become vulnerable to weak punches of even weaker opponents.

Nigeria’s Samuel Okon Peter falls into the first category of pugilists who surrendered their prized belts too early without truly enjoying the fruits of their punches.

The memory of the punishment that Peter received in the hands of Vitali Klitschko is still very fresh in the minds of many boxing fans and Nigerians indeed whose joy of producing a world champion was short-lived. Interestingly, Peter’s two losses since he turned pro has been in the hands of two brothers - Vladimir and Vitali Klitschko.
Peter has yet another opportunity to reposition himself in the ranks to get a crack at the top from the number five position he slumped to after his disgraceful defeat. His opponent, Eddie Chambers, ranked 3rd, would collide with the Nigerian Nightmare in a monstrous heavyweight battle scheduled for 12 rounds on a special edition of “Friday Night Fights” at the Nokia Theatre Los Angeles on March 27.

Undoubtedly, this is the biggest and most anticipated heavyweight fight that does not have a world title attached to it, but the winner of this bout will once again be earning their right to fight for the prestigious World Heavyweight Championship. Chambers with his intimidating record of 33 wins, one loss and 18 KOs knows the power and gain that comes with a win against Peter. “I can’t wait for the big night”, said an ecstatic Chambers. The man known in boxing circles as “Fast Eddie” because of his tremendous hand speed, has been talking loud on how he would add to the punishment that Peter got from Klitschko.

“I will beat Sam Peter, and do it convincingly, to get in position for my well-deserved World title shot. Peter is a big man, and a powerful puncher with both hands, and I give him his respect. But come March 27, he’ll find out about my power and speed. This is a big fight for me and I promise an exciting fight for the fans. It’s my major heavyweight boxing. The 26-year-old Chambers was in the process of making a meteoric rise in the heavyweight division when he lost a decision in January 2008 against Alexander Povetkin in an IBF Heavyweight title elimination bout in Germany. A native of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, now fighting out of Philadelphia, he was 29-0 when he stopped up to garner a split-decision over top contender Calvin Brock to earn the shot against Povetkin. Now trained by the experienced and knowledgeable Rob Murray, Chambers has reeled off three straight wins: TKOs over Raphael Butler for the USBA title and Living Castillo and, most recently, a unanimous decision victory over the gargantuan 6-4, 268-Pound Cisse Salif two months ago in Cabazon, California.

But Samuel Peter would not allow the nightmarish experience he suffered in the hands of Klitschko weigh him down. His fight record is also frightening at 30-2, 23 KO s and he is a 6-1, 250 pound knockout machine who is no stranger to fighting in Los Angeles, having recorded the first of his two big wins over James “Lights Out” Toney at Staples Centre in September 2006 and has a decisive weight advantage over Chambers who weighed 221 pounds on his last bout.
“I have apologised to my people in Nigeria and I really want them to support me. I am on my way back and Chambers is the stepping stone to big things to come. I have learnt from my mistakes and you will see that on March 27. I am coming home to LA. I love the city of Angels”, exclaimed Peter.

Peter, 28, was 24-0 and holder of the NABF Heavyweight title before sustaining his first defeat as a pro in September, 2005 to current World Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko while knocking him down three times during the bout. The powerful Nigerian went on to post five more wins(including two over Toney) before getting his opportunity at a World Heavyweight title belt. In March 2008, Peter stopped Oleg Maskaev in the sixth round and claimed the WBC Heavyweight title. Seven months later, in his first title defence, Peter relinquished the crown to the other Klitschko brother - Vitali- when he could not answer the bell for the ninth round.

Elisha Attai of Studio 115 who came back from USA where Peter is sweating it out said that he was impressed with what he saw of the Akwa-Ibom-born pugilist. “He is in shape and has lost some pounds which is indicative of the seriousness of his training. He is not talking much and wants to make it up to Nigerians”, he said. Elisha promises to bring the fight live to Nigerian rooms as he is in talks with the Nigerian Television Authority.
Peter and Chambers would be looking for the opportunity to immediately get back into the World title picture on March 27 at Nokia Theatre, L.A. With grit-teethed determination and hardwork, Peter can still climb back to reckoning.

the pic

Who knows the Nigerian time for this fight pls

jeeze dont tell me sammy is fighting again.people for the sake of brotherhood lets tell this akwa-ibomite to get a better job.

eddie chambers would definately want to prove he is competent for the heavyweight title.

I pray the guy wins, so people will start to forget about the nigerian nightmare's "nightmare".

He better not make an ass of himself tonite.

the match is 3PM Nigerian time. 10ET. the nigerian nightmare is all brute and no technique

Pls let us give him that benefit of doubt and support him. He really needs our support to win this fight. Sammy, go ahead; The Lord is your strength.

3pm or 3am ?

Fight about to start.

"Expect ACTION" Those are the exact words of Peter

where are you watching it?
is it available online?

I wonder why we dont have boxing championship in nigeria

i'd like to see David Hayes Vs Sam Peters in Calabar

_{please remove those old pics}

Dis Guy:

where are you watching it?
is it available online?

I wonder why we dont have boxing championship in nigeria

i'd like to see David Hayes Vs Sam Peters in Calabar

_{please remove those old pics}

I'm watching on NTA, That is if u are in Nigeria

This refree na wao, o

really? i found a site online, im watchin nta too but they are showing the news now

http://www.webjam.com/atlfightsports/boxing_videos

Fight starts

he won round one

peter need to loose some more weight, gain some muscles to look fit with harder punches

round 2 over, Who do you think led in points

hmm not too sure its kind of even, but peter is taking the fight to him
he needs to box him into a corner since he cant find a target

round 4 off

its sslowing down now! very close chambers is not coming forward anymore
peters cant find his target, but the sucker punch is coming!

samuel is being dealt with right now wat do u think fellow viewers

what round now, and who is leading, i'm lost

last round,looks like samuel is loosing this one again

ohhhhhhhhh god

over waiting for the judges dcision

who won

Ko or or nothing!
he needs a combination
chamber is not even phased about his big punches

dnt leave it to the judges o

draw or lost

for a big guy he should win convincingly if not . . .

peters lost this one ooooooooooooooooooooo

peter should go and be fighting in nigeria or start his own gym
start boxing promotion in nigeria