‘Wow’: The sparring session that left top US coaches ‘freaking out’ over Aussie Callum Peters

Callum Peters was fresh off an international flight, and only minutes into his first Las Vegas spar a few weeks back, when one of America’s most respected trainers decided to air his thoughts right there on the ring apron.

“Wow,” Bob Santos exclaimed, watching the hyped Australian prospect trade against one of his own, “you just don’t stop punching”.

Nor would Peters through all eight rounds against Elijah Garcia, himself a rising US star.

All of which left Santos so impressed, his Las Vegas gym now remains open to the fighter dubbed ‘50 Cal’.

Which is some invitation.

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Especially given Santos isn’t only the reigning Ring Trainer of the Year, but coach to a large crew of champions which, past and present, includes the likes of Mario Barrios, Erislandy Lara, Carlos Adames, Joel Casamayor, Robert Guerrero and David Morrell Jnr.

And now, the trainer has agreed to work into the future with Peters.

A fighter who, most immediately, is looking to continue his own undefeated run in Wednesday night’s Fox Sports boxing showcase in Brisbane.

Still switching between the amateurs and professionals, Peters will throw down against experienced New Zealander Marcus Heywood on an exciting fight card topped by the younger brother of New Zealand heavyweight star Joseph Parker.

Then in September, the 22-year-old Adelaide product will look to become the first Australian amateur to win gold at the worlds, before then switching back and having one, maybe two more pro fights before the year is out.

In preparation for all this, the youngster flew into Las Vegas earlier this month for Tim Tszyu’s world title fight week.

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On the same card, Santos also cornered his WBC welterweight champ Barrios against megastar Manny Pacquiao.

In fight week, Peters spent time at the gym of Santos, sparring several fighters including Garcia – a US national champion who already boasts 18 fights inside the likes of T-Mobile Arena and the MGM Grand.

“I basically jumped straight off the plane and into 12 rounds of sparring,” Peters revealed to Fox Sports Australia this week.

“I did eight rounds first up with Garcia then four rounds with another fella.

“And all the coaches there, they freaked out with how I went.

“I was throwing with a lot of power, speed, putting the pressure on them.

“Bob Santos actually said ‘wow, you don’t stop punching’.

“It gave me a really good idea of where I’m at.”

Better, Peters earned an invitation to go back.

“That’s the plan, yeah,” he continued.

“Bob Santos has trained the best so it’s great to spend time there.

“Obviously everyone was flat out with fight week so next time, it will be for a proper camp, and a lot more rounds.

“I want to really get a feel for things, especially now that I’ve been there and know what to expect.”

Elsewhere, Peters said that while Tszyu’s title bout against Sebastian Fundora didn’t go as planned, the opportunity to be inside MGM Grand Garden Arena allowed him to envision everything coming.

“It was unreal,” he said of the fight night experience.

“Just sitting there and thinking ‘this can be me one day’.

“It was awesome to be inside an arena that’s hosted the likes of Pacquiao, Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather … (laughs) even Holyfield’s ear.

“I felt like ‘yeah, I can get here, be among the best in the world’.

“I just need to stay focused, train hard and I’ll show people what I’m made of.”

Elsewhere on Wednesday night, Queensland cruiserweight Floyd Masson is looking to catapult into world title contention against New Zealander John Parker – the younger brother of former heavyweight world champion Joseph.

At 33, Masson is gunning for a shot at gold in a division where Australia’s Jai Opetaia boasts the IBF and Ring crowns.

Then in the co-main, Peters will be looking to continue his own hyped rise.

Asked about his decision to fight one more time professionally before worlds, and only weeks after his first round finish of Cairns product Luca Lanigan, he grinned: “I’ve got the time, so I said ‘let’s do it’.

“I’m also hoping to get another two pro fights in before this year is out.

“Definitely December, but I’d like one before that, too.

“(Laughs) I’ve asked No Limit to call them up and say ‘are you down to fight Callum Peters?’.

“And if not, well, good luck fighting me later. Because I’m only getting better, stronger, scarier.”

Despite finishing his first three opponents within a round, Peters is expecting a much tougher night against Heywood.

“Oh, he really knows his s****,” the rising star conceded of a rival boasting 19 fights.

“He’s fought some really good boys and this is going to be a really good test for me.

“Likely, a chance to get some good rounds in, too.

“He knows how to move around the ring, how to put pressure on, the guy has power too.

“I don’t think he’ll be putting himself in risky situations so this will go more than a round.”