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I want to clear up one thing,” WBC Heavyweight Champ stated at Gallagher’s Steak House in New York City, yesterday, arriving late but making his stand for his Oct. 11 title defense known early.
“I am the true heavyweight champ.”
At the O2 Arena in Berlin, Germany, Peter, 30-1, 23 KOs, will make his first title defense against the man formerly recognized as the “true” heavyweight champ, Vitali Klitschko, 35-2, 34 KOs.
That was four years ago, however, but since his retirement, the WBC has crowned Klitschko “Champion Emeritus,” a dubious distinction given to him for his “unquestionable loyalty and extraordinary boxing career.”
Having earned his belt the hard way, Peter is clearly annoyed that there is another fighter in the division recognized as a so-called “WBC world heavyweight champion.”
“To become a champion you have to beat a champion,” Peter said at the press conference. “Why are you introduced as a two-time champion of the world? Who did you beat to become the champion? You can’t be the champion until you beat me, and you can’t.”
In 2004, Vitali was the legitimate WBC heavyweight world champion and was briefly considered to be the best heavyweight in the world when he suddenly retired from the sport. Soon after his retirement, the WBC gave Vitali the emeritus designation in a decision that further muddied the heavyweight picture, but ultimately led to this highly-anticipated match-up.
While Klitschko was relinquishing his title due to nagging injuries and the desire to pursue a career in politics, Peter was earning his shot at the title the hard way: by dramatically improving his technique to outpoint a master boxer in James Toney; showing tremendous heart and determination in surviving three knockdowns to win a decision against Jameel McCline for an interim belt; and reminding us that he still possesses explosive power by knocking out Oleg Maskaev to finally win the WBC heavyweight title that Klitschko gave up.
“The Nigerian Nightmare” feels that he fought hard to finally win a piece of the heavyweight championship, and does not think it is fair that Klitschko can secure a title shot in his first fight back after a four-year absence. Samuel is also irritated that he has to get past Vitali before being able to continue the unification process in a rematch against Vitali’s brother, IBF/WBO Champion Wladimir Klitschko.
On the other hand, the former champ, now challenger, is intent on proving that he is healthy and still one of the best fighters in the heavyweight division.
“I gave my title away for free because of my knee injury,” said Klitschko, quick to point out that he did not lose his title in the ring. “I did not lose my skills in only three years . . . I have a huge motivation to be back in the ring to show my skills and do my best to get my title back.”
The two power-punchers, who, together, boast a knockout ratio of 84%, did seem to agree on one thing: That this bout will end early, and suddenly.
Klitschko promises that the fight “won’t go to the scorecards,” that “it will probably end between rounds four and six.”
“I have a lot of presents ready for Peter for October 11th,” said Klitschko, who was countered aggressively by the champ.
“I will knock Vitali out,” he told the press. “Trust me. I will knock out Vitali, and then I will beat his brother. There is no doubt about that.”
I dont think Vitali is letting all that **** get in his head and I hope is healthy and this fight goes on as planned.
“I am the true heavyweight champ.”
At the O2 Arena in Berlin, Germany, Peter, 30-1, 23 KOs, will make his first title defense against the man formerly recognized as the “true” heavyweight champ, Vitali Klitschko, 35-2, 34 KOs.
That was four years ago, however, but since his retirement, the WBC has crowned Klitschko “Champion Emeritus,” a dubious distinction given to him for his “unquestionable loyalty and extraordinary boxing career.”
Having earned his belt the hard way, Peter is clearly annoyed that there is another fighter in the division recognized as a so-called “WBC world heavyweight champion.”
“To become a champion you have to beat a champion,” Peter said at the press conference. “Why are you introduced as a two-time champion of the world? Who did you beat to become the champion? You can’t be the champion until you beat me, and you can’t.”
In 2004, Vitali was the legitimate WBC heavyweight world champion and was briefly considered to be the best heavyweight in the world when he suddenly retired from the sport. Soon after his retirement, the WBC gave Vitali the emeritus designation in a decision that further muddied the heavyweight picture, but ultimately led to this highly-anticipated match-up.
While Klitschko was relinquishing his title due to nagging injuries and the desire to pursue a career in politics, Peter was earning his shot at the title the hard way: by dramatically improving his technique to outpoint a master boxer in James Toney; showing tremendous heart and determination in surviving three knockdowns to win a decision against Jameel McCline for an interim belt; and reminding us that he still possesses explosive power by knocking out Oleg Maskaev to finally win the WBC heavyweight title that Klitschko gave up.
“The Nigerian Nightmare” feels that he fought hard to finally win a piece of the heavyweight championship, and does not think it is fair that Klitschko can secure a title shot in his first fight back after a four-year absence. Samuel is also irritated that he has to get past Vitali before being able to continue the unification process in a rematch against Vitali’s brother, IBF/WBO Champion Wladimir Klitschko.
On the other hand, the former champ, now challenger, is intent on proving that he is healthy and still one of the best fighters in the heavyweight division.
“I gave my title away for free because of my knee injury,” said Klitschko, quick to point out that he did not lose his title in the ring. “I did not lose my skills in only three years . . . I have a huge motivation to be back in the ring to show my skills and do my best to get my title back.”
The two power-punchers, who, together, boast a knockout ratio of 84%, did seem to agree on one thing: That this bout will end early, and suddenly.
Klitschko promises that the fight “won’t go to the scorecards,” that “it will probably end between rounds four and six.”
“I have a lot of presents ready for Peter for October 11th,” said Klitschko, who was countered aggressively by the champ.
“I will knock Vitali out,” he told the press. “Trust me. I will knock out Vitali, and then I will beat his brother. There is no doubt about that.”
I dont think Vitali is letting all that **** get in his head and I hope is healthy and this fight goes on as planned.