Samuel Okon Peter, nicknamed "The Nigerian Nightmare," is a heavyweight boxer who is considered by many to be one of the strongest punchers in the heavyweight division. He was born in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria on September 6, 1980.


Early years and amateur career

Originally, Peter's preferred sport was soccer. In 1992, some boxers came to Peter's school to train. The curious young 11-year-old stopped by and asked if he could train along with them. He was put up against an experienced amateur and knocked him out.[citation needed] This marked the beginning of a successful amateur career for Peter.

Samuel Peter won the Nigerian amateur heavyweight championship and the Africa Zone 3 Heavyweight championship while compiling an amateur record of 19 wins and only 1 loss. He faced stiff competition as an amateur (including a knockout victory over 2000 Silver Medalist Mukhtarkhan Dildabekov of Kazakhstan). However, he prevailed and was given the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the 2000 Sydney, Australia Summer Olympics.

Peter lost in the quarterfinals to Italian Paolo Vidoz by decision. However, his performance was noted for being very impressive from such a young pugilist and hence more excitement was generated for him than the eventual Gold Medalist, Audley Harrison, whom Peter had lost a very close decision to just a few months before the Olympics.
Source : Wikipedia