Samuel Peter speaks!

In one of his first television interviews since being named WBC interim heavyweight champion, Samuel "The Nigerian Nightmare" Peter, who is preparing for his first world title defense on Saturday at New York's Madison Square Garden, was interviewed live via remote satellite from near his training camp in Northeast Pennsylvania during last Saturday's Dawson-Mendoza telecast. "I have to stay focused because I am coming into my time, the time that I have been waiting for in my career. Now, I am the heavyweight champion of the world. I will fight anyone who comes my way."

On change of opponent from Maskaev to McCline:
"It doesn't matter who I fight. McCline is a good fighter, a good boxer and good champion, but it doesn't matter. I'll adjust to any style (McCline is considerably bigger in stature that Maskaev). I am the Heavyweight World Champion and I'll do whatever it takes to defend my title."

On Maskaev's promoter, Dennis Rappaport, being furious with WBC decision to award interim title and Peter's decision to take the McCline fight rather than wait until Maskaev heals.
"I can't wait no more. I have waited nine months for the chance and I can't wait no more for anybody who doesn't want to defend the heavyweight title. I am here. I have taken over and I am the heavyweight champion of the world....I am holding the WBC title. This title is not easy to get. So, I consider myself the best heavyweight in the world right now."