Boxing News: Peter, Minto and Marrone Win Big

NEW YORK (May 1, 2006) – Since it’s Kentucky Derby week, let’s use some racing jargon to describe Duva Boxing’s big Friday night in Uncasville, CT. Promoter Dino Duva registered a heavyweight trifecta at Mohegan Sun Arena with three impressive performances on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights.

In the main event, Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter scored a devastating first round knockout victory over Julius Long in a heavyweight battle that was over before it started. Peter, sharp and aggressive from the opening bell, unloaded a series of combinations before Long went down for good at 2:35 of the first stanza. Peter captured the vacant NABF heavyweight title with the win.

“You have to be aggressive if you want a knockout,” said Peter, who upped his record to 26-1, with 22 victories coming by way of KO. “That was the game plan. You have to get in there, be aggressive, even if your opponent has a knife.”

Who’s next for the Nigerian Nightmare? “Anybody, anybody, anybody,”Peter roared after the fight. “Anybody who has a title. I want to win the heavyweight championship.”

When asked about Wladimir Klitschko, who beat Peter on a decision last year before knocking out Chris Byrd to win the IBF Heavyweight Championship a couple of weeks ago, Peter said “I will destroy Wladimir Klitschko. I learned a lot from the last fight. It wasn’t my time. Now it’s my time.”

Said Duva after the Peter victory: “Sam's next fight will be a big, meaningful bout in the summer.”

In contrast to Peter’s first round knockout, Brian “The Beast” Minto went the distance in a tough fight, but scored the unanimous decision over Billy Zumbrun in a heavyweight 8-rounder. Illustrating that he was rugged as well as durable, The Beast dominated Zumbrun with his stiff left jab. Minto upped his record to 24-1, with 14 KOs. The native of Butler, PA got past a tough-minded Zumbrun, and is now poised for bigger opportunities and better opponents in the heavyweight division.

Meanwhile, unbeaten up-and-coming heavyweight prospect Mike Marrone scored a “you missed it if you blinked” first round KO over Dan Whetzel. Marrone’s record now stands at 13-0, as he ascends the heavyweight ranks with his 10th knockout victory.

Duva's heavyweights are hot! Who do you like in the Kentucky Derby, Dino?