(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