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03/29/2005 Archived Entry: "Peter and Diaz April 29 on ESPN2"
Peter and Diaz April 29 on ESPN2
Two of the prized jewels of Duva Boxing’s up-and-coming stable will headline the ESPN2 Friday Night Fights telecast on April 29 at the Union Plaza Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main event will feature rising heavyweight crusher Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter, 22-0 (19), going against capable veteran Gilbert Martinez, 18-8-3 (7). And in a guaranteed thriller of a co-main event, exciting junior welterweight slugger Oscar “El Torito” Diaz, 19-1 (11) will face rugged Jesse Feliciano, 12-3-2 (7).
The USBA and NABF Heavyweight champion, Peter will be continuing his quest to become the savior of the heavyweight division and bring it back to its glory days. He is coming off two electrifying knockouts over Jeremy Williams and Yanqui Diaz last December and January respectively. Martinez has faced a long list of useful heavyweight contenders and in addition to the March 2004 draw he fought to against Clifford Etienne, he holds victories over Charles Shufford, David Bostice, Fernely Felix and former world champion Tony Tubbs. He was last seen fighting to a 10-round draw against solid veteran Sherman “Tank” Williams.
In his most recent appearance, San Antonio’s Oscar Diaz won one of the most exciting fights in Sho-Box history via 10-round decision over Al “Speedy Gonzalez last February. Diaz’ heart and superior skills carried him to a close, but deserved unanimous victory over Gonzalez in a slugfest. Before coming up short in his last two, Feliciano was on a hot streak that included victories over two previously undefeated fighters (Freddie Cadena and Jermaine Marks), draws against two other then undefeated fighters (Al Gonzalez and Arturo Morales) and a victory over 22-4 Raul Franco.
“The Union Plaza Casino is part of the downtown ‘old time’ Las Vegas area that is being rejuvenated and their great people like Rich Rose and Phil Flaherty are looking to make it a player in the Las Vegas boxing scene,” said Duva Boxing President Dino Duva. “We’re excited about bringing two of our brightest prospects and most exciting young fighters in the world there, as well as back to national television so soon after their latest impressive victories. With every performance, Sam Peter is looking more and more like the exciting future champion that heavyweight boxing badly needs. And with Oscar Diaz developing into the enormous talent we always knew he would be his future in one of boxing’s most talent-rich and lucrative divisions is very bright.”
