CLIMBED THE BOXING LADDER THE HARD WAY By Jason Aniel-After an impressive amateur career, this included a Gold medal in the Commonwealth games, this in addition to better than ten international titles, Robbie “Bomber” Peden achieved the IBF championship the hard way. A 1992 Olympian, who ironically beat the eventual Gold Medalist Somluck Kamsing some three years prior, Peden is himself a fighter waiting for his opportunity for a mega fight. Surging to a 15-0 mark, the Peden dream of winning a world title was derailed when he suffered a unanimous loss to veteran John Brown. Unknown until after the fight, Peden says, “I injured my right rotator cuff in the fourth,” forcing the Aussie from Brisbane to finish the fight with one arm.
MARQUEZ FIGHT IS MOST WELL KNOWN In an IBF title eliminator, Peden fought in his most high profile fight against current featherweight champion, Juan Manuel Marquez. Peden suffered a serious viral infection after the weigh-in, which he could have pulled out from. However, Peden stated that, “I am a fighter, I never considered backing out at any time.” Despite the infection, Peden lasted ten rounds against the Mexican technician, and was forced to retire when the pain from the infection was too much to handle. Everyday, he wishes he could have had another shot at Marquez, saying that “I would entertain a rematch with Marquez, also.”
FINALLY BREAKING OUT AT JUNIOR LIGHT/SUPER FEATHER Under his new promoter Dan Goossen, Peden twice defeated the talented Nate Campbell, finally achieving the world title he so desperately craved. In the first fight, Campbell hurt Peden seriously with a body shot. Assuming he had Peden out, Campbell foolishly invited Peden to throw a hook, which “Bomber” accepted, knocking Campbell out cold. For the re-match held in his hometown, Peden left no doubts by stopping Campbell in the eighth.
NOW HE WANTS THE BIG FIGHTS In a division with three of the world’s best fighters– Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Manny Pacquiao-Peden wants to add his name to this list, “I want to be remembered as a good fighter and a great person. So to have this dream become a reality, I need to fight these great fighters like Manny, Morales and Marco.” With the IBF belt around his waist, he will command big money, fighting the superstars at the top of the division.
PACQUIAO WILL BE BIG CHALLENGE FOR AUSSIE Peden?€™s chance might be around the corner. If the rumors are true, and he defends his title against Manny Pacquiao this September, that would be huge on any of three continents. He said, “There have been a few people discussed as my next opponent and Manny being one of them. But you know how this business is, it’s not done until you both get in the ring.” Expecting a deal to be finalized by next week, Robbie is itching to get back into training. Should the Pacquiao fight be made, Peden says, “Manny is a very good fighter and you know I always love a challenge.” It will be a challenge indeed, for both fighters.
PACQUIAO, THE SMALLER GUY IN ANOTHER SLUGFEST? In a loaded division like jr. lightweight, any fight against any opponent is tough, and Peden is no exception. Peden has fought through injuries and has comeback to win fights, not backing down from any fighter. Pacquiao will be a very slight favorite in this match-up, but a great battle between the two is almost guaranteed. Although he is the champion, Peden will try to play the role of a spoiler, denying Manny a chance for revenge against Erik “El Terrible” Morales. Complete interview with Robbie Peden Tuesday at www.RingTalk.com
QUICK JABS To the Murad Muhammad publicist (or Murad himself) who sent an unsigned all capitalized email to just about everybody stating Murad will always control Pacquiao. Don?€™t worry Pacquiao fans, should Murad file for an injuction against Pacquiao, the courts will likely rule that a certain amount of any upcoming Pacquiao purse will be held, in the unlikely event Murad wins his case with Pacquiao. If you do not believe me, look at Bernard Hopkins. He and Don King are in a current court battle, and Hopkins will fight this July.
