Mario Heredia scores upset over Samuel Peter in AC.

In what would be regarded as both a huge upset and a pretty dreadful decision, Mario Heredia 15-6-1 (13 Ko’s) scored a very unpopular split decision victory over 38 year old former WBC heavyweight champion Samuel Peter 37-6 (30 Ko’s) over 8 rounds tonight at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City Nj.. Peter who had made only 4 ring appearances in 8 years prior to tonight’s return, last boxed in this arena 14 years ago, when he ran Wladimir Klitschko to the wire in 2005.. Tonight however, the Nigerian lacked the technical skills that he once possessed and appeared to rely more on single shots, most notably the overhand right.. Peter scored a knockdown in round 2 and looked like he was going to close the show on the oft beaten Mexican, but overeagerly smothered his own work and let Heredia off the hook.. Samuel deserted all defence following the knockdown, and relied more on leaning back and rolling shots, more in the pursuit of landing single punches.. Round 4 was an alarming one for Peter, as Heredia found some ambition, landing far to frequently for comfort on Samuel, who by now had completely abandoned all technical fundamentals, allowing a fighter that is levels beneath him to find the target unperturbed.. Samuel did maintain his composure by the 5th, and again found his mark, hurting Heredia more than once whilst almost walking through return fire.. Peter did seem to eat a few too many shots throughout the remainder of the fight, but controlled the action with well timed jabs and crafty counters.. The taller Heredia looked a little disorganised in the 8th and was forced to smother Peters work on the inside, and survive a late attack from the Nigerian.. Considering the inactivity, Peter didn’t appear to gas and finished the bout relatively fresh, whilst the younger man showed signs of fatigue towards the final stretch.. Samuel boxed within himself, but in my opinion won the bout comfortably, unable to score a stoppage he notched up valuable live rounds against a lively opponent.. The announcement was an unlikely one and it leaves Peter with a hard mountain to climb with all considered.. Scores had it as 77-74, 76-75 Heredia.. and 79-72 Peter.