26.11.03 – By Ike Enwereuzor: jacboxing.com – The new WBA International Light Heavyweight, Peter Oboh now (13-5,11 KO’s) won his WBA International laurel on November 14, 2003 by 11th round technical knockout over previously unbeaten Elvis Michailenko. Oboh began his professional career May 1993 in Cassino, Italy by successfully stopping Italian Antonio Russo in fifth round to win his first Pro bout. The WBA International champion had losses to highly rated boxers like Scott Welch, current WBO cruiserweight champ Johnny Nelson, Terry Dunstan but has impressive wins over highly regarded fighters such as Ole Klemetsen (first round knockout) and handled Thomas Hansvoll his first loss by second TKO on June 18, 1999.
On September 6, 2002, Oboh captured his first title by dismantling Kenyan George Adipo in first round in Bethnal Green, London to grab the Commonwealth British Empire Light Heavyweight championship. His next fight came in Coventry, England March 2003 when he destroyed former British and Commonwealth champion Neil Simpson to win the vacant British Light Heavyweight belt. This month November Oboh added the WBA International to his credential and ready to take on any Light Heavyweight world champions including former undisputed Light Heavyweight Roy Jones jr. This is what the new WBA International champion had to say:
Ike: Congratulations, you’re the new WBA International champion. How does it feel to become a WBA International champion?
Oboh: It’s a good feeling, the fight was shown Live Prime time BBC here in London. I have been getting a lot of calls and letters from Fans and I appreciate all their support. We thank almighty God for making all this possible. My last three fights has been for a title. In 2002, I won the Commonwealth belt, early this year March I won the British title. Now I’m the WBA International champion. We’re now ready to take on any world champion out there. My camp is currently in negotiations with WBA world champion Silvio Branco. I think the fight with Silvio Branco could happen because he doesn’t duck opponents. This event could happen in London or Italy.
Ike: Please, tell us about your fight with Michailenko?
Oboh: It was a great fight and I learned a lot from it. Michailenko is a good, strong fighter and was unbeaten. The fight went to 11 Rounds, and I dropped him twice in round 10 and once in round 11. He fought very hard to keep the belt, but I was very hungry for that fight. He tried to bully me but I smoked him with my jabs, combinations and movement. I didn’t come there to play; we came to fight and win. I made him miss a lot of shots. I was sick from the Flu before that fight but I prayed a lot before the fight and asked God to assist me through this fight and he did. People have been writing BBC Television to get a copy of the fight. It was action pack fight and this fight was my best performance. I flow like a butterfly and sting like a mosquito.
Ike:What did you think of Roy Jones vs Antonio Tarver fight?
Oboh: That was a good fight also. I think they should have a rematch for that fight, because that fight could have gone either way. I’d like to fight Tarver one day too. He’s a good fighter and I love to fighter tough opponents like him. I expected the judges to score that fight a draw, because Tarver didn’t lose that fight.
Ike: Describe your fight with George Adipo for the Commonwealth Light Heavyweight belt?
Oboh: I think he was undefeated, but I knocked him out in round #1 and it was my first professional title bout. After this, I won two other belts, the British belt and now WBA International. I’m very happy for this and I hope Frank Warren will take me to the next level. I’m not going to duck anyone in my division.
Ike: What about your fight with Neil Simpson for the British championship?
Oboh: Another good fight that also went eleven rounds but I stopped him in round #11. I was determined to win that fight. I never left it for the Judges to decide, so I have conquered the domestic scene in UK. It’s time now to move up to the international market. I’m looking to be busy next year.
Ike: What’s your impression of WBA Light Heavyweight champion Silvio Branco?
Oboh: I fought amateur in Italy. I met him many times there. I don’t know if he remembers me, but he’s a hero over there. He’s a very good fighter and I don’t see him ducking fighters like others. You have to be a world class fighter to be able to win a world championship. I respect Branco as a champion too.
Ike: What do you remember most about your first professional fight?
Oboh: The fight was in Italy. I fought as a cruiserweight, and I won the fight by 5th round Knockout.
Ike: What do you think of American fighters?
Oboh: They are just like every other boxer. I’m willing to step in America to fight if all is favourable.
Ike: Do you plan to fight in USA anytime?
Oboh: If I have a good deal to fight in America and my camp agrees to all terms, we’ll go to any part of the world to do our job. I have a job as a fighter.
Ike: Tell us about about your amateur days?
Oboh: I fought 5 years in Italy as an amateur and my first three fights were in Italy. I won all my fights in Italy as a Pro.
Ike: What do you wish to accomplish before you retire?
Oboh: I want to win the world championship and unify the division. I want to get into the ring with Roy Jones jr. if he’ll start fighting real opponents like me. Tarver didn’t lose to him, so I hope he’ll give him a rematch. I’d like to fight any of them to prove who’s really the Light Heavyweight King. Most fighters are afraid to fight me. I’ll not avoid any boxer.
Ike: Anything you want to tell your fans around the world?
Oboh: I want to thank all my fans for their support and prayer. I promise I’ll not disappoint them. I’ll go into every fight and do my best. I hope continue to see my fans at my fights; including my fans from Nigeria. I wish everyone the best of luck and compliments of the season during the upcoming Christmas. I love you all. Keep the faith alive. Special thanks to you also Ike, for talking with me. God bless!