ANTHONY PETERSON VS. YAKUBU AMIDU CALLED OFF BY PETERSON CAMP

SHELTON, WASHINGTON  — December 17, 2014 — Yakubu Amidu (21-5-2, 19KO) was fight-ready for this Saturday’s SHOWTIME BOXING bout versus Anthony Peterson (34-1, 22KO).  He completed a brief but rigorous training camp, and completed the required medical exams.  SHOWTIME BOXING announced the fight in a Decmeber 4^thpress release, and on their telecast this past weekend.  It came as a surprise when Amidu promoter Bobby Hitz of Hitz Boxing received a call this morning that the bout is off.

Hitz was advised that Peterson trainer Barry Hunter did not want his boxer to fight Amidu.   Said Hitz, “Hunter has been trying to get out of this fight since we signed the bout contract.  The kid trained hard for this fight.  It’s the holidays.  This kid did everything asked of him, and now he’s not going to be paid because at the last minute, this guy pulls out because he is afraid of what Amidu might do to his fighter?  He’s like the Grinch that stole this guy’s Christmas.  Most guys fight for an opportunity to showcase their talents on SHOWTIME, and here’s a guy that went out of his way not to be on TV.  He took an easier fight, and lost the TV opportunity just so he didn’t have to fight us.  I’m glad I don’t have these guys guiding my fighters’ careers.”

According to boxrec.com, Amidu appears to have been replaced with Hector Velazquez (56-24-3, 38KO).  “I know Tom [Brown] did what he could to put this bout together,” said Hitz.  “He fought vigorously to keep Amidu in the fight, despite Hunter’s objections from the beginning.  There’s no reason Amidu shouldn’t be fighting on SHOWTIME this weekend.”