By Rick Reeno
Photo © Javiel Centeno/Fightwireimages.com
The first major bout of the new year is upon us. Heavyweights Samuel "The Nigerian Nightmare" Peter (27-1, 22 KOs) and James "Lights Out" Toney (69-5-3, 43 KOs), will meet in a rematch at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.
The first meeting took place on September 2 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles to determine the mandatory challenger to the WBC heavyweight champion. The fight had some fireworks and some sloppy moments, but it appeared to many that Toney was the clear victor.
In a surprise, Peter was awarded the bout by way of a split decision. Two judges had it 116-111 for Peter, while the third scord it 115-112 for Toney. The public backlash over the official scoring of the fight forced the WBC to hold a vote on whether there should be an immediate rematch. The WBC Board of Governors voted 21 to 10 on Sept. 26 in favor of an order for an immediate rematch.
The first time around, neither fighter came to the ring in good shape. Both weighed-in on Thursday looking more trim and physically fit. A shot at WBC heavyweight champ Oleg Maskaev is on the line, raising the stakes more for the 38-year-old Toney, than the much younger Peter.
A loss for Toney would certainly be the end of the line in terms of obtaining another shot at a heavyweight title. Peter (26-years-old) is young enough to regroup and recover from a loss, and punches hard enough to upset any heavyweight if he happens to land the right punch.
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