April 15, 2006
TOKYO, JAPAN-WBC#15 ranked OPBF heavyweight champ Peter Okello (17-4, 16 KOs), a Japan-based Ugandan, will risk his regional belt against mandatory contender Bob Mirovic (26-15-2, 17 KOs), Australia, today (Saturday) at the Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan. Yesterday there was an official weigh-in, where Okello tipped the beam at 114.7 kilogram (252.87 lbs.), while Mirovic, born in Croatia, scaled in at 119.1 kg (262.57 lbs.).
It’s their grudge fight with Okello having emerged victorious to keep his regional belt by a fifth round knockout despite Mirovic’s tremendous durability in 2001. Angelo Hyder, Bob’s trainer, says, “Mirovic isn’t what he used to be. He has improved a lot since his defeat by Peter. He’s also very much motivated as his mother passed away just his departure from Australia. He strongly wishes to dedicate this victory to his late-mother.” Mirovic, a still fresh 40-year-old, once had a moment but lost a close but unanimous nod to Timo Hoffman in Germany last year and demolished Richard Tutali in two round last December. Mirovic, a 6’5” big man called “The Big Bear” in Down Under, seems to have a much better condition this time than he previously fought Peter four years and a half ago.
Peter, making his ninth defense, battled then highly world-rated Sinan Samil Sam in a quest for the WBC international heavyweight belt only to lose a unanimous decision though dropping Sam with a countering right with the final bell to end the twelfth session coming to his rescue last June. It’s his last showing and he will appear for the first time after a ten-month hiatus. Peter, 33, is a notoriously fluctuating type, sometimes looking sharp and strong, while sometimes looking lazy and less motivated. He may have a tough night against the game and gusty Australian today.
(4-15-06)