Samuel Peter facts for kids

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Quick facts for kids Samuel Peter
Samuel Peter in 2007
Statistics
Real name	Samuel Okon Peter
Nickname(s)	The Nigerian Nightmare
Rated at	Heavyweight
Height	1.88 m
Reach	196 cm
Nationality	Nigerian American
Born	(1980-09-06) September 6, 1980 (age 44) Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	47
Wins	38
Wins by KO	31
Losses	9

Samuel Okon Peter (born September 6, 1980) is a Nigerian former professional boxer. He competed from 2001 to 2019. He was known as "The Nigerian Nightmare" because of his powerful punches. In 2008, he became the World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion.

Samuel Peter was also a champion at a regional level. He won the NABF title twice. He also held the USBA title. Many people in Nigeria consider him one of their greatest athletes. His WBC title win was a memorable moment in Nigerian sports history.

Early Life and Amateur Boxing

Samuel Peter first loved football. But in 1992, when he was 11, some boxers came to his school. He was curious and asked to join their training. He ended up knocking out an experienced amateur boxer! This was the start of his successful boxing journey.

He won the Nigerian Amateur Heavyweight Championship. He also won the Africa Zone 3 Heavyweight Championship. He even knocked out Mukhtarkhan Dildabekov, who later won a silver medal at the Olympics. Samuel Peter represented Nigeria at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. He lost in the quarterfinals, but his strong performance impressed many people.

Professional Boxing Career

Starting Out as a Pro

After the Olympics, Samuel Peter became a professional boxer. His first fight was on February 6, 2001. He won by knockout in the first round. He had seven fights in 2001 and won most of them quickly. His powerful start helped him get a deal with a big boxing promoter.

In 2002, he faced tougher opponents. He won against Marion Wilson by decision. He also had his first televised fight on ESPN2. He continued to win, often by knockout in the early rounds. He won the WBC Youth heavyweight title in 2003. This was his first fight scheduled for 10 rounds.

Moving Up the Ranks

Samuel Peter kept winning, mostly by knockout. He then faced Charles Shufford in 2004. This was his first main event fight. Peter won by decision after going all ten rounds for the first time. He then beat Jovo Pudar by decision.

Later in 2004, Peter fought Jeremy Williams. Peter won by knockout in the second round. This win earned him the WBC-NABF heavyweight title. This knockout was even nominated for "Knockout of the Year" by ESPN.

In January 2005, he fought Yanqui Díaz. Peter knocked Díaz down five times. Díaz's corner stopped the fight in the fifth round. With this win, Peter gained the IBF-USBA heavyweight title. By this time, Peter was ranked among the top heavyweights in the world. Many compared his powerful style to Mike Tyson.

Big Fights and Challenges

In July 2005, Peter fought Taurus Sykes. Sykes had challenged Peter, saying Peter was avoiding him. Peter won by knockout in the second round. This made Peter hold regional titles from three major boxing organizations.

Peter vs. Wladimir Klitschko I

On September 24, 2005, Samuel Peter faced Wladimir Klitschko. This was a very important fight. Many thought Peter would win because of his power. Peter knocked Klitschko down three times during the fight. However, Klitschko managed to stay in the fight. In the end, Peter lost by a decision after 12 rounds. This was his first professional loss.

Peter vs. James Toney I & II

After his loss, Peter continued to fight. He won the vacant WBC-NABF heavyweight title again in 2006. Then, he faced James Toney, a very experienced boxer. Their first fight in September 2006 was very intense. Peter won by a close decision. Many people disagreed with the decision, thinking Toney should have won.

Because of the disagreement, the WBC ordered a rematch. The second fight happened in January 2007. This time, Peter was much more dominant. He knocked Toney down in the second round. Peter won by a clear decision. This win made him the official challenger for the WBC world heavyweight title.

Becoming Interim Champion

Samuel Peter was supposed to fight Oleg Maskaev for the WBC title. But Maskaev got injured and couldn't fight. So, Peter was made the interim world heavyweight champion. This meant he held a temporary world title while Maskaev was recovering.

Peter vs. Jameel McCline

On October 6, 2007, Peter defended his interim title against Jameel McCline. McCline knocked Peter down three times in the early rounds. This was the first time Peter had been knocked down in his career. However, Peter showed great courage. He fought back and won the fight by decision. He later said he fought with a broken left hand. This fight showed Peter's determination to win.

WBC World Heavyweight Champion

Peter vs. Oleg Maskaev

The long-awaited fight for the official WBC heavyweight title finally happened on March 8, 2008. Samuel Peter faced Oleg Maskaev in Mexico. Peter won by knockout in the sixth round. The referee stopped the fight as Peter was landing many powerful punches. Samuel Peter was now the undisputed WBC heavyweight champion of the world!

Peter vs. Vitali Klitschko

After winning the title, Peter wanted to fight Wladimir Klitschko again. But Wladimir's brother, Vitali Klitschko, had retired as WBC champion in 2005. Vitali had the right to challenge for the title when he returned. So, Peter agreed to fight Vitali on October 11, 2008.

Vitali Klitschko was very sharp despite being away from boxing for four years. He controlled the fight from the start. Peter struggled to land his punches. After eight rounds, Peter's face was swollen. His corner stopped the fight, and Vitali Klitschko won. Peter lost his WBC heavyweight title.

Later Career

After losing his title, Peter continued to fight. He lost to Eddie Chambers in 2009. But he then won three fights in a row by knockout. He also knocked out Nagy Aguilera in 2010.

Peter vs. Wladimir Klitschko II

On September 11, 2010, Samuel Peter had a rematch with Wladimir Klitschko for the IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles. Peter started aggressively, but Klitschko controlled the fight. Peter's right eye began to close. He was taking many heavy punches. In the tenth round, Klitschko knocked Peter down, and the referee stopped the fight. This was a tough loss for Peter.

Peter vs. Robert Helenius

In April 2011, Peter fought Robert Helenius in Germany. Peter was heavier than usual for this fight. He started well, winning some early rounds. But he became tired as the fight went on. Helenius knocked Peter down in the ninth round, and Peter could not get up. Many people thought Peter should retire after this loss.

Return to Boxing

After a long break, Samuel Peter returned to boxing in 2014. He was very heavy for his fight against Ron Aubrey. But he still won by knockout in the first round.

He had some fights cancelled between 2014 and 2016. In October 2016, he fought Juan Carlos Salas in Mexico and won. In December 2016, he fought Kubrat Pulev. Peter had to stop the fight after the third round because he dislocated his right shoulder.

Peter fought again in 2019, winning two fights by knockout. His last professional fight was in December 2019 against Arslanbek Makhmudov, which he lost.

Personal Life

Samuel Peter is a devoted Christian. He does not drink or smoke. He lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is also the nephew of a famous Nigerian professional wrestler, Great Power Uti.

Professional Boxing Record

Professional record summary
47 fights	38 wins	9 losses
By knockout	31	6
By decision	7	3

No.	Result	Record	Opponent	Type	Round, time	Date	Location	Notes
47	Loss	38–9	Arslanbek Makhmudov	TKO	1 (10), 2:23	Dec 7, 2019	Bell Centre, Montreal, Canada	For WBC-NABF heavyweight title
46	Loss	38–8	Hughie Fury	TKO	7 (12), 2:07	Jul 12, 2019	King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
45	Win	38–7	Alejandro Garduno	KO	1 (10), 2:32	Apr 27, 2019	Cheers Bar & Grill, Tijuana, Mexico
44	Loss	37–7	Mario Heredia	SD	8	Apr 13, 2019	Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
43	Win	37–6	Gerardo Escobar	KO	1 (10), 0:44	Feb 22, 2019	Cheers Bar & Grill, Tijuana, Mexico
42	Loss	36–6	Kubrat Pulev	RTD	3 (12), 3:00	Dec 3, 2016	Arena Armeec, Sofia, Bulgaria	For vacant WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title
41	Win	36–5	Juan Carlos Salas	RTD	3 (4), 3:00	Oct 23, 2016	As Boxing Arena, Tijuana, Mexico
40	Win	35–5	Ron Aubrey	TKO	1 (8), 2:34	Sep 27, 2014	OKC Downtown Airpark, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US
39	Loss	34–5	Robert Helenius	KO	9 (12), 1:50	Apr 2, 2011	Gerry Weber Stadium, Halle, Germany	For WBO Inter-Continental, and vacant WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight titles
38	Loss	34–4	Wladimir Klitschko	KO	10 (12), 1:22	Sep 11, 2010	Commerzbank-Arena, Frankfurt, Germany	For IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles
37	Win	34–3	Nagy Aguilera	TKO	2 (12), 2:24	Mar 12, 2010	Gaylord Texan Resort Hotel & Convention Center, Grapevine, Texas, US
36	Win	33–3	Gabe Brown	TKO	4 (8), 2:58	Dec 19, 2009	Beeghly Center, Youngstown, Ohio, US
35	Win	32–3	Ronald Bellamy	TKO	2 (8), 1:36	Sep 15, 2009	Plaza de Toros, Cancún, Mexico
34	Win	31–3	Marcus McGee	KO	3 (8)	Jul 25, 2009	Palenque del Recinto Ferial, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
33	Loss	30–3	Eddie Chambers	MD	10	Mar 27, 2009	Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, Los Angeles, California, US
32	Loss	30–2	Vitali Klitschko	RTD	8 (12), 3:00	Oct 11, 2008	O2 World Arena, Berlin, Germany	Lost WBC heavyweight title
31	Win	30–1	Oleg Maskaev	TKO	6 (12), 2:56	Mar 8, 2008	Plaza de Toros, Cancún, Mexico	Won WBC heavyweight title
30	Win	29–1	Jameel McCline	UD	12	Oct 6, 2007	Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US	Won vacant WBC interim heavyweight title
29	Win	28–1	James Toney	UD	12	Jan 6, 2007	Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, Florida, US	Retained WBC-NABF heavyweight title
28	Win	27–1	James Toney	SD	12	Sep 2, 2006	Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, US	Retained NABF heavyweight title; Won IBA heavyweight title
27	Win	26–1	Julius Long	KO	1 (12), 2:35	Apr 28, 2006	Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Connecticut, US	Won vacant WBC-NABF heavyweight title
26	Win	25–1	Robert Hawkins	UD	10	Dec 15, 2005	Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, Florida, US	Won vacant WBA–NABA heavyweight title
25	Loss	24–1	Wladimir Klitschko	UD	12	Sep 24, 2005	Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US	Lost WBC-NABF heavyweight title; For vacant WBO–NABO heavyweight title
24	Win	24–0	Taurus Sykes	KO	2 (12), 2:07	Jul 2, 2005	Events Center, Reno, Nevada, US	Retained WBC-NABF, and IBF-USBA heavyweight titles; Won WBA–NABA heavyweight title
23	Win	23–0	Gilbert Martinez	TKO	3 (10), 2:05	Apr 29, 2005	Union Plaza Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, US
22	Win	22–0	Yanqui Díaz	TKO	5 (12), 0:54	Jan 22, 2005	American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida, US	Won vacant IBF-USBA heavyweight title
21	Win	21–0	Jeremy Williams	KO	2 (12), 0:27	Dec 4, 2004	Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, US	Won vacant WBC-NABF heavyweight title
20	Win	20–0	Jovo Pudar	UD	10	Aug 5, 2004	Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, Florida, US
19	Win	19–0	Charles Shufford	UD	10	May 17, 2004	Bally's Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, US
18	Win	18–0	Jose Arimatea Da Silva	TKO	2 (8), 2:20	Mar 6, 2004	Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, US
17	Win	17–0	Chris Isaac	TKO	7 (8), 0:29	Jan 22, 2004	Glendale Arena, Glendale, Arizona, US
16	Win	16–0	Jason Farley	TKO	2 (10)	Sep 27, 2003	HSBC Arena, Buffalo, New York, US
15	Win	15–0	Daniel Frank	KO	2 (8)	Aug 30, 2003	Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall, Tunica, Mississippi, US
14	Win	14–0	Lyle McDowell	TKO	4 (6), 2:12	Jun 21, 2003	Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, US
13	Win	13–0	Dale Crowe	TKO	4 (10), 1:08	Mar 7, 2003	City Center Pavilion, Reno, Nevada, US	Won vacant WBC Youth heavyweight title
12	Win	12–0	Cornelius Ellis	TKO	2 (4), 0:32	Jul 24, 2002	Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, US
11	Win	11–0	Francis Royal	TKO	2 (6), 2:24	Jun 7, 2002	Rawhide Arena, Scottsdale, Arizona, US
10	Win	10–0	Terry Porter	KO	2 (4), 2:54	May 24, 2002	Brady Theater, Tulsa, Oklahoma, US
9	Win	9–0	Julius Joiner	RTD	1 (4)	Mar 22, 2002	Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix, Arizona, US
8	Win	8–0	Marion Wilson	UD	4	Mar 3, 2002	Catholic Youth Center, Scranton, Pennsylvania, US
7	Win	7–0	Curtis Taylor	KO	1 (4)	Nov 10, 2001	Fernwood Resort, Bushkill, Pennsylvania, US
6	Win	6–0	Giles Knox	TKO	1 (4), 1:58	Sep 28, 2001	Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, US
5	Win	5–0	Freddy Gatica	TKO	1 (4), 1:30	Aug 25, 2001	Flamingo, Laughlin, Nevada, US
4	Win	4–0	Shannon Head	TKO	1 (4)	Jul 28, 2001	Exhibition Hall, Fort Myers, Florida, US
3	Win	3–0	George Chamberlain	TKO	1 (4)	May 25, 2001	Estadio Carlos Dittborn, Arica, Chile
2	Win	2–0	James Lester	TKO	3 (4)	May 10, 2001	Biltmore Hotel, Phoenix, Arizona, US
1	Win	1–0	Georgi Hristov	KO	1 (4), 1:30	Feb 6, 2001	Baluan Sholak Sports Palace, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Viewership

Germany

Date	Fight	Viewership (avg.)	Network
October 11, 2008	Samuel Peter vs. Vitali Klitschko	9,670,000	RTL Television
June 8, 2010	Wladimir Klitschko vs. Samuel Peter II	9,700,000	RTL Television
April 2, 2011	Samuel Peter vs. Robert Helenius	2,550,000	Das Erste
	Total viewership	21,920,000

Nigeria

Date	Fight	Viewership (min.)	Network	Source(s)
March 8, 2008	Oleg Maskaev vs. Samuel Peter	30,000,000	N/A
	Total viewership	30,000,000

United States

Date	Fight	Viewership (avg.)	Network
September 24, 2005	Samuel Peter vs. Wladimir Klitschko I	2,036,000	HBO
March 8, 2008	Oleg Maskaev vs. Samuel Peter	1,236,000	HBO
	Total viewership	3,272,000