Samuel Peter Takes on 7'-0" Julius Long

Power-punching heavyweight Samuel Peter (25-1) is back in action tonight on ESPN2 in his second bout since dropping a unanimous decision to Wladimir Klitschko last September (despite dropping Klitschko three times!). Peter’s opponent is journeyman Julius Long (14-7). Long is nothing special but he is seven feet tall! Can you say “T-I-M-B-E-R” !

Peter, who needs to throw more punches and not rely entirely on landing one big bomb, will have new trainer Jesse Reid in his corner for the first time. Peter’s management team hopes that an impressive victory over Long will vault Peter into contention for a shot at one of the four current heavyweight beltholders. At 25, there’s still plenty of time for Peter to become a major force on the heavyweight scene.

On the undercard, young heavyweight prospect Mike Marrone (13-0) will try to get back on track against Dan Whetzel (7-5-1). Marrone, 20, nearly lost his last bout against unknown Zack Page but was able to survive and score a majority decision.

Results: Both Peter and Marrone scored first round stoppages over their hopelessly overmatched opponents. Click here for complete results.