World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion, Samuel
Okon Peter, arrived Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, yesterday (Wednesday) morning to the warm embrace of thousands of fellow Nigerians, who had kept vigil all night to have a glimpse of the world champion.
Peter, who came in the company of American boxing promoter, Don King, later in a press conference, thanked Nigerians for their steadfastness and prayers for his success and promised not to dissappiont when he faces challenger, Oleg Maskev next Febuary.
In an international press conference at the tribune before proceeding to Abuja, Samuel Peter said he would defend his title with the last drop of blood in his veins and called for prayers fom all and sundry.
He was also accompanied by his Manager, Ivalyo Gotzev, his trainer, Pops Anderson and the enigmatic African – American boxing promoter, Don King who co – promoted Peter’s first title defence against Jameel McCline on October 6, at the Madison Square Garden in New York. Many top Nigerians, including officials of both factions of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), National Amateur Boxing Association (NABA) and Aspiration 2007 team led by National Coordinator, Larry Izamoje, Barrister Ekpeyong and Pastor Ita Peter, were also at the Airport to receive the world champion.
Akwa Ibom State government was represented by Dr Chris Ekong, who is the chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC) for Samuel Peter’s reception and the state sports commissioner, Iniobong. Peter will be received in Abuja by Akwa Ibom State governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio and National Sports Council (NSC) boss, Barrister Abdulrahaman Hassan Gimba, who will then take him to President Umar Musa Yar’ Adua and the Inspector General of Police, after which he will then fly to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State for a grand reception.
Meanwhile Madison Square Garden in New York.