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Duva
Announces Peter vs. Sykes - July 2, 2005
(MAY 11) Duva Boxing, in association with Gary Shaw Promotions and Tres
Amigos, LLC, are proud to announce that on July 2, 2005, fast-rising
heavyweight contender Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter, 23-0 (20),
will put his NABF and USBA championships on the line against NABA
champion Taurus “The Bull” Sykes, 23-1-1 (6) at the newly constructed
Reno Events Center and televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.
The Peter vs. Sykes showdown will be the first-ever boxing show at the
7000-seat Events Center and comes 95 years almost to the day that Reno
hosted the legendary Jack Johnson vs. James J. Jeffries heavyweight
championship fight on July 4, 1910.
“Reno has always been a great fight city,” said Duva Boxing President
Dino Duva. “Duva promotional organizations have promoted several major
events in Reno involving all-time greats like Sugar Ray Leonard (vs.
Bruce Finch on Feb. 15, 1982), Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini vs. Livingstone
Bramble (Feb. 16, 1985), Evander Holyfield (vs. Henry Tillman on Feb.
14, 1987), Pernell Whitaker (vs. Jorge Paez on Oct. 5, 1991) and Michael
Moorer (vs. Mike Evans on Dec. 4, 1993) among others, and the crowds
have always been nothing short of fantastic. We’re very much looking
forward to bringing the next heavyweight champion of the world to
boxing’s newest super venue. It’s going to be a great night.”
Peter was last seen dismantling normally durable southpaw Gilbert
Martinez over three rounds on April 29. Sykes latest appearance was an
NABA title-winning unanimous decision over Peter’s Nigerian countryman,
Friday Ahunanya.
Talk of a Peter vs. Sykes fight began shortly before Peter took on
Martinez. A press release issued by people claiming to represent Sykes
made some derogatory remarks about Peter and his choice of opponent.
Duva quickly responded with a release of his own, challenging Sykes to
face his young powerhouse. Sykes publicly accepted the challenge and the
wheels were set in motion.
The Samuel Peter vs. Taurus Sykes triple title showdown will be
scheduled for 12 rounds and will be the sole fight broadcast by
Showtime. Tentatively set to appear on the undercard are Oscar Diaz,
Mike Marrone, Elena Reid, and Nonito Donaire, with others that will be
added. Tickets are priced at $200, $100, $75, $55, and $30. The fight is
sponsored by “Reno/Tahoe – America’s Adventure Place." First bout starts
at 4:30 p.m
