Peter edges Toney;

James Toney (69-5-3, 43 KOs) stood up to the power of Samuel Peter (27-1, 22 KOs), but it was Peter who came away with a twelve round split decision in a WBC heavyweight eliminator Saturday night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Toney's quickness and defensive skills gave him the edge early, but Peter got into the fight in round three with some heavy shots. Both fighters landed good punches in round four, with Toney being more accurate. Peter rocked Toney with a right hand in the fifth, and landed some good punches later in the round. Toney came back strong in round six with fast, accurate punches. Action slowed in the seventh and eighth, as Toney outhustled Peter. A point was deducted from Peter in round nine for slapping Toney's ears with both gloves. Peter came out throwing bombs in round ten scoring with some big shots. Toney outworked Peter for most on the eleventh, although he was caught by a few punches late. Peter did more in the twelfth, to win 116-111, 116-111 on two cards, while Toney prevailed 115-112 on the third card.