When Robbie"Bomber" Peden [ W24 [ 13 kos,] 2 Losses.] steps out on to home soil, at the Vodaphone Arena in Melbourne on Wednesday night, he will be lifted by the fact that everyone in the arena, will be there for one reason.- To see him win the I.B.F. superfeatherweight world title.

Its been a long hard road for Peden. Since turning professional, after a tremendous amateur career, Peden knew he had what it takes to become a champion at the sport he loved, but he knew, within himself that in order to become a champion , he had to be mixing it up in the gyms with the champions, so he moved to America. It was tough, but with pure dedication and confidence in his own ability, he persevered and with a little help from good friends, Andrew Golota, Jeff Lacy, and Fernando Vargas, he built up a good solid record, fighting across America.

In 2001, he was matched to face the tough slugger, John" The beast" Brown for the eliminator for the I.B.F. world crown. Brown was feared by many but Peden stepped up and took his best shots, and gave Brown one of his hardest fights to date.The fight went the distance, and although Peden lost, he made a few new fight fans that night around the world.

With growing popularity, Peden was matched with the stylish future world champion, Juan Manuel Marquez in 2002. This was also another I.B.F. eliminator fight, and once again, Peden showed great heart but on the night Marquez was too much for him. Pedens corner decided their man had taken enough and threw in the towel after the 10th round.

After a few more wins, under his belt, Peden was back in search of another crack at the title. This time, it was Nate Campbell who stood in his way. Campbell [W25 21KOS, 2 LOSSES 1 DRAW.] was an experienced warrior who had been in with the likes of Carlos Navarro, and Daniel Alicea.

In 2003, he was matched to fight the talented rising star, Joel Casamayor over 10 rounds and while he lost by unanimous decision, he gave a good account of himself .
This fight was an even money fight, a 50/50 scrap and a more importantly for Peden and Campbell, a real chance at the world championship. Both fighters trained hard, and it grew into a kind of a grudge match, in the build up to their fight. Come fight time, both fighters couldn't wait to get at it.

It was a tug of war fight , until the 5th round, when Campbell decided to drop his guard and taunt Peden to take a shot. Bang !, it was over. Peden dropped him like a bag of potatoes and Campbell couldn't recover in time.

Nearly a year to the day, the rematch is on. Campbell and Peden have both, been out of the ring since July last year, but guaranteed, they both will be 150% ready for this one. For both men ,at this stage of their careers, this surely will be the last chance for them.

I caught up with Peden and asked him a few questions, and this is how it went.

GT: How does it feel to be back home fighting for the world title?

RP: Fantastic. its a dream come true, and something ive fought and strived for.

GT: After the last time you met, do you think Nate will have a bit more respect for the "Bombers "power.?

RP: I hope so [ laughs] GT: if you win, do you think you might defend the title in Australia?

RP: i would love to, but boxings a funny game. i'll let my promoter make the best move for me. joe goosen has been great.

GT: How has your preparations been going?

RP: Really good. its the best shape ive been in, and im bringing the title home.I want it to be a war.

GT: What have you been doing, [ roadwork, sparring,]?

RP: ive been doing alot of running. sprints, interval training, long runs, and ive been getting great hard sparring. its been good.

GT: Robbie, getting a way a bit, do you still see Fernando [ vargas]?

RP: no, not for a while. he helped me alot when i went to the states.

GT: Vargas is scheduled to fight Raymond Joval, do you think if he wins, he would consider a fight with Sam Soliman. That would be an interesting fight?

RP: I dont think anyone would want to face Sam Soliman at 160. [ serious] GT: do you have anything you would like to say to your fans around the world?

RP: Thanks for your support over the years.

GT: Robbie, thanks for your time.

On the 23rd of February, this will be "Bomber"s last chance at "his dream"

If you won world titles on dedication, heart, commitment alone, then the Australian, Robbie Peden would have been the undisputed champion long ago.