Peter thanks IG for promotion
Nigeria's world heavyweight boxing title top contender, Samuel Peter, has expressed gratitude to Inspector General of Police, Sunday Ehindero for promoting him after his Saturday night's victory in Florida.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ehindero announced Peter's promotion on Monday following his unanimous points' victory over American James Toney in a World Boxing Council (WBC) elimination bout for the heavyweight title held by Russia's Oleg Maskaev.
The Nigerian title hope was elevated to senior traffic warden from traffic warden, joining the ranks of other police personnel like Chioma Ajunwa and Sunday Bada, who have won honours for the country on the international sports scene.
In his reaction to the promotion, Peter declared: ``I am very graetful to the IG-P for the honour done me by promoting me following my victory over James Toney,'' he told NAN on Wednesday in Florida by telephone.
He noted that the promotion and other congratulatory messages he had been receiving since his victory would spur his quest for the world crown.
The 2000 Sydney Olympics boxing quarter-finalist said he was determined to clinch the WBC title and unify it with both the World Boxing Association (WBA) and the International Boxing Federation (IBF) crowns.
He admitted that he was still a traffic warden with the Nigeria Police, adding: ``I am still with the police and after my world title fight with Oleg Maskaev I will go back to my duty post in Nigeria.''
Peter was expected to leave Florida on Thursday for his base in Las Vegas to continue training for the upcoming world championship.
``You know I have been in Florida after my victory to cool off and take a rest, as well as look ahead for the title fight,'' Peter added.
Peter won on two of the judges' cards while the third gave it to the American, who disputed the verdict. The WBC then ordered a re-match.