Boxing fans will be able to "Catch the Rising Stars…on the Boardwalk" when unbeaten heavyweight standout Samuel Peter squares off against former world champion Wladimir Klitschko in the main event, and Puerto Rican sensation Miguel Cotto defends his WBO light welterweight championship against Italy's  Gianluca Branco on Saturday night, September 24, at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The spectacular twin bill will be presented by Duva Boxing, K-2 Promotions and Top Rank, Inc. in association with Caesars Atlantic City. The "Nigerian Nightmare" Peter and the knockout artist Cotto will put their unblemished records on the line against top class competition in the younger Klitschko brother and the veteran Branco, respectively. Will boxing's two rising continue on their road to superstardom? The question will be answered on September 24.

A powerful heavyweight fighting out of Las Vegas, Peter has emerged as a top class fighter under the Duva Boxing banner by reeling off 24 straight triumphs, including 21 by way of knockout. The Ukraine-born Klitschko is the former WBO champion who has amassed a stellar ring record of 44-3, with 40 KO's. Klitschko had successfully defended his belt against such heavyweight standouts as present titleholder Chris Byrd, Jameel McCline, Ray Mercer and Monte Barrett.  Cotto has developed into a star quality champion fighting for Top Rank, Inc. Branco (36-1-1, 19 KO's) has campaigned  virtually exclusively on his home turf in "Italia" but is no stranger to the Jersey Shore where he endured his only career setback, the unanimous decision loss  against Arturo Gatti last year.

A press conference will be held in New York City on Wednesday to formally announce the card and introduce the fighters to the media.
 

8-6-2005