By Rick Reeno (Photo by Richie Maldonado)

On September 24, most experts say the future of the heavyweight division will be decided. Undefeated heavyweight contender Samuel "Nigerian Nightmare" Peter (23-0, 21KOs) will face former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitshcko (43-3, 40KOs) in Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall. Many boxing insiders are calling this the most significant heavyweight fight since the retirement of Lennox Lewis. Samuel Peter has been called the most promising young heavyweight since Ike Ibeabuchi knocked out Chris Byrd in 1999.

Many experts feel that Samuel Peter is not ready for an opponent like Wladimir Klitschko, others say the time is now. Peter finished his amateur career with a record of 19 wins and 1 loss, which includes a knockout victory over 2000 Silver Medalist Mukhtarkhan Dildabekov and a win over heavyweight contender Friday Ahuananya . 

In 1996, Peter was in the Nigerian Olympic camp and sparred with heavyweight contender Duncan Dokiwari in order to prepare Dokiwari for the 1996 Olympic games. Peter was a Nigerian national champion, the Africa Zone 3 heavyweight champion and represented Nigeria in the 2000 Olympics. He lost a decision in the Olympic quarterfinals to Paolo Vidoz (the Bronze Medal winner). Prior to the 2000 Olympics, Peter suffered a close decision loss to undefeated heavyweight contender Audley Harrison (2000 Olympic gold medal winner).

Peter is a devout Christian family man and a big role model with the Nigerian community in Las Vegas, where he currently lives and trains.

BoxingScene sat down with Samuel Peter to discuss his upcoming bout with Wladimir Klitshcko and other potential bouts in the heavyweight division.

BoxingScene.com: Who would you say is your biggest inspiration to become a professional prizefighter?

Samuel Peter: It would have to be Muhammad Ali. He inspired me to do this.

BoxingScene.com: The title of "the next big thing" has been bestowed upon you by the boxing public. Many fighters in the past like Dominick Guinn and Michael Grant have crumbled from the pressure of trying to live up to that title. The fight with Wladimir Klitschko will either make you or break you. Do you feel a lot of pressure going into this fight?

Samuel Peter: There is no pressure for me. I'm training, I'm coming to fight and God is going to give me victory. I don't feel any pressure. God is going to give me victory in this fight. I know what is mine and I'm going to take it with the help of God.

BoxingScene.com: The bout with Wladimir Klitschko is slated to be an elimination bout for the IBF and WBO heavyweight titles. Should you win, is there a preference as to which champion you would want to fight, Chris Byrd or Lamon Brewster, provided that both men are still holding their titles?

Samuel Peter: I would want to fight IBF heavyweight champion Chris Byrd next. Of course.

BoxingScene.com: What kind of problems do see an elusive fighter like Byrd presenting to you in the ring?

Samuel Peter: I think that he will run for a bit, but he cannot run forever, I will catch him. Once I catch, then I will get him. I cannot lose with God on my side. I believe that no fighter can beat me with God on my side.

BoxingScene.com: What is your viewpoint on some experts saying that you are not experiencing enough for a fighter of Wladimir Klitschko's caliber?

Samuel Peter: God doesn't make any mistakes, this is the plan he gave me. He gave me this fight right now, I took it and therefore I am ready, for anyone. I'll do whatever it takes to beat him, I'm going to be ready.

BoxingScene.com: Are you going for the early knockout or do you plan to take him deep and test his stamina?

Samuel Peter: I always train hard in the gym to prepare myself to go 12 hard rounds. I'm ready to go 12 rounds, I can go the distance. If the knockout comes I'm going to take it, but I will be ready to catch him in this fight. You will see. I'm going to show him my skill, I'm going to show him my power. Wladimir will get the whole package, you will see.

BoxingScene.com: Your power is well known. What is your take on experts making constant comparisons to former heavyweight contender Ike Ibeabuchi?

Samuel Peter: I'm not Ike. Ike is Ike, I'm Samuel Peter.

BoxingScene.com: Are you concerned about Wladimir's height or reach?

Samuel Peter: No, I am not. I beat taller fighters than me so his height does not mean anything, it doesn't matter. He cannot stop me.

BoxingScene.com: Wladimir Klitschko has predicted a knockout victory.

Samuel Peter: That's what people do when they are scared. He is saying that because he is scared. I'm going to win this fight. I know I can knock him out.

BoxingScene.com: If you beat Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko beats Hasim Rahman in November, do you foresee yourself jumping towards a fight with Vitali?

Samuel Peter: Of course. It's only natural. After I take care of his brother Wladimir, then I will take care of him.

BoxingScene.com: You are not locked down to any cable network. Do you see yourself staying a free agent after the fight with Wladimir in order to keep your options open or would you like to sign a network deal?

Samuel Peter: Right now I don't know. First I'm going to win this fight and then I will see what happens.

BoxingScene.com: What would you like to say in closing?

Samuel Peter: I want to thank all of the fans that support me and watch me fight. I hope they watch my fight with Wladimir Klitshcko because it will be an exciting fight and I will give them a treat. I am the next heavyweight champion of the world.