Klitschko and Peter Speak

Posted by Ramon Aranda on 09.24.2008

We hear from both fighters who are training in Germany for their October 11th heavyweight title clash.

As part of a conference call today, we got to hear from both WBC heavyweight titlist Sam Peter and challenger and former heavyweight champ Vitali Klitschko as they took a break from their training camps to speak to the media before their Oct. 11 showdown.

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Vitali talked about how tough it was for him to retire during his championship reign. He admitted that he did not want to retire but that after numerous injuries including the torn ACL, he was informed that he would have to sit out another six months while the WBC required that he defend his belt against Hasim Rahman in two. He reiterated however that he is in great condition and fully healed from his injury.

When asked about whom he felt were the top guys in the division, he stated, "Definitely number one is Wladimir and I think number two is Sam Peter and number three is probably Ruslan Chagaev."

He briefly talked about his training camp mentioning that he's had to find new sparring partners because the ones he had "..couldn't last." He maintains that he feels that he and Wladimir will finally attain their dream of co-holding a piece of the heavyweight championship which would mark the first time in the history of the sport that two brothers would hold heavyweight gold. Asked about why he didn't opt to take on a tune-up fight before taking on a fighter the calibur of Sam Peter, Klitschko responded by saying that he didn't feel he needed one and that he was ready for the division's best. Vitali was also asked if he felt he still had enough left in the tank after four years away from boxing to be the top dog in the division to which he replied, "I can answer that question for you after October 11."

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WBC champ Samuel Peter was certainly not at a loss for words. Though he initially stated that he has no ill-feelings towards Vitali Klitschko, Peter made it known that he is as confident as ever going into their bout. "This is not going to go 12 rounds", stated Peter. The champ persisted that he doesn't get the respect and credit he deserves especially for his improved boxing skills. He also spoke about chopping wood during his training to increase his strength.

In regards to his fight with brother Wladimir Klitschko, Peter doesn't feel that there's anything he could take away from that fight and use it against Vitali. He simply feels that he needs and wants to prove himself once again.

In respects to fighting in Germany, Sam Peter said that he's always wanted to fight out there. "My dream was to fight in Germany," said Peter. He talked about not being worried about the officiating in Germany and says that the fans have been very receptive and warm. "I'm taking over this [Germany] country!", proclaimed Peter.

Things then got a little more heated with both camps beginning to taunt one another and Peter, fired up, answered back.

"That man cannot even beat Don King. Don King would knock him out, so what's he going to do to me?", asked Peter.

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The Peter-Klitschko fight, for the WBC heavyweight belt will be televised as part of a Showtime Championship Boxing doubleheader on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 9 p.m. ET/PT (same day, tape delay) from Germany.

It will be shown on tape delay on the broadcast that also includes the light heavyweight title bout between Antonio Tarver and Chad Dawson. Fans in attendance at the Tarver-Dawson fight will also be shown the fight inside the arena.