KO Corner » Peter, Brock Withdraw From Superfighter

Peter, Brock Withdraw From Superfighter

Less than 48 hours after Superfighter announced the eight participants in their heavyweight tournament on December 1st in Australia, two of the most notable names have already dropped out…

Samuel Peter and Calvin Brock have both stated that they are not interested in particpating in the event so they can instead focus on their upcoming title fights this winter.

Peter will be facing James Toney in a rematch of their September bout this coming January; Brock challenges Wladimir Klitschko for the IBF Heavyweight title on November 11th at Madison Square Garden.

Peter’s manager Ivaylo Gotzev supports the camp’s decision to keep Samuel out of the event and focused on Toney:

“The minute the WBC announced the rematch with James Toney, we’ve been excited and working toward making that fight as soon as possible,” he said. “The Superfighter Tournament is something that might be an interesting idea down the line, but they’re going to have to look for another fighter because Sam Peter is not available.”

Calvin Brock’s statement was very similar…

“I am pleased that Superfighter has shown its integrity in the betterment of the sport of boxing by agreeing to cooperate with me and allow me to follow my dream and fight for the heavyweight championship of the world,” said the gentlemanly Brock. “I think the Superfighter concept is a great addition to the world of boxing, and I look forward to fighting in the Superfighter tournament without jeopardizing my goal to become and remain the heavyweight champion of the world.”

I know that there are also eight alternates that will take place of the fighters that can’t fight. Superfighter stated in a press release that Sinan Samil Sam is the first alternate so I’m guessing he will be stepping in for one of those two.

Reports have also stated that Chris Byrd’s status in the event is also being questioned. BoxRec currently has him scheduled for two events - a bout against Eliseo Castillo on November 11th as part of the Brock-Klitschko undercard and the Superfighter event on December 1st.

Is he going to do both? I guess we will have to wait to hear from Byrd himself…

The lineup for the event now looks this for the time being…