By John F. McKenna (McJack)
Mandatory IBF challenger Lamont Peterson (29-1-1, 15 KO’s) is looking to shock not only IBF/WBA light welterweight champion Amir Khan (26-1, 18 KO’s) but the boxing world as well when they do battle tonight at the Washington Convention Center in D.C. Peterson is a huge underdog but he feels that the fact that he will have home field advantage will be a huge asset against the warrior from Bolton, England.
Most of the 12,000 fans in attendance to watch Peterson attempt to dethrone the IBF/WBA champion will be pulling for their hometown favorite. To Lamont that is a big deal. Peterson knows what it is to struggle. He was homeless as a youth for a period of time when he grew up on the tough south side of Washington.
In his only loss to date Lamont failed in the attempt to defeat WBO champion Timothy Bradley two years ago. Peterson learned from the experience of fighting for a title for the first time. This time he is determined to take advantage of his opportunity. A victory over Khan would not only secure for Lamont the IBF/WBA light welterweight title belts it would guarantee him some big money fights in the future.
To many boxing observers the 25 year old Khan is perceived to be a budding superstar. His five time trainer of the year Freddie Roach has stated on more than one occasion that he believes Amir will be the #1 Pound for Pound fighter in the world in 12 months. In addition Khan has called out undefeated super star Floyd Mayweather more than once.
Along those lines, Khan has said that his fight with Peterson will be his last fight at light welterweight. His plans are to move up to welterweight after he gets past Peterson, have one or two fights at welterweight and then challenge Mayweather.
But not so fast says Peterson. Lamont believes that he has what it takes to defeat Khan and reiterates that he is not going into the ring to be another one of Amir’s victims. Peterson has trained hard for his fight with Khan and is looking forward to the encounter with him. He is sure that his supporters will be vocal and loud. Peterson really believes that his fight with Khan is his golden opportunity and a pathway to the future.
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