When Samuel Peter Defeated Jameel McCline In 2007

Ugo Chinedu

4 years ago

It is easy to say the quote ‘’Never Give Up,’’ but only real fighters can hang on and persevere through tough times or situations. That is the story of Samuel Peter’s victory over American boxer, Jameel McCline on Saturday, October 6, 2007, in the heavyweight title contest.

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One of the most popular sports in Nigeria after football is boxing, maybe because it reflects the true Nigerian spirit of fighting our way through tough and difficult situations. After losing in four previous attempts at becoming champion, McCline came all out for the Nigerian boxer, determined to see him lose glory as Nigerians watched and cheered their man. With an advantage of five-inch in height and four-inch in reach, McCline knocked down Peter three times in the fight in a bid to get him to quit the fight.

Nigerians were left with little hope especially in the third round which saw the American throw hard punches at the Nigerian from all angles, knocking him down twice in the process. A staggering Peter would not disappoint the hopes of Nigerians and managed to finish the third round.

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In the fourth round, Peter appeared to have awakened to the rhythms of the fight. The bout went to the distance and Peter went on to win all remaining rounds to win the match through a unanimous decision from the judges.

Commenting on how he managed to not give up on the fight despite being knocked down three times, a happy Peter said:

“When I was knocked down I said to myself, ‘no, no, no I am the champion and I have to defend the belt’’

Nigerians would hardly forget that fight as it was a reflection of what Nigerians represented as a people. The zeal to fight and NEVER GIVE UP. Sources: ESPN Reuters Featured Image Source: Ed Mulholland

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