AMIR KHAN TOPS LAST “REAL” BIG CARD UNTIL NEW YEARS EVE
New York, NY– On the cusp of “pound for pound” notoriety and boxing super-stardom, WBA and IBF light welterweight (140) belt holder Amir Khan (26-1, 18 KOs) takes on former title challenger Lamont Peterson (29-1-1, 15 KOs) over a scheduled 12 rounds of throw down at the Convention Center in Washington, Saturday at 9:45 PM ET on HBO.
Khan (left)
MUST WIN SITUATION FOR KHAN TO SECURE HUGE FUTURE PAYDAY
Two bouts removed from his exhilarating war against fierce scrapper Marcos Maidana in which Britain’s Amir Khan proved his “nay sayers” wrong in regard to his “heart” and chin, Khan returns to the spotlight for his fifth attempted title defense. Prior to his recent triumphs, Khan won his first 18 bouts, whacking out 14. Going into his 19th professional bout against unbeaten contender Breidis Prescott, the buzz was high for Amir to rise to prominence. However, Khan got starched by a right hand from Prescott and
lasted just 54 seconds in the bout. Since the embarrassment against Prescott, Amir has won eight straight (3 KOs) and managed to pick up the WBA and IBF straps. Khan’s recent win streak is highlighted with victories over Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera (W TD 5), Paulie Malignaggi (W TKO 11), Zab Judah (KO 5) and the aforementioned Marcos Maidana (W UD 12). A victory over Peterson could open the door for Khan to move up in weight and earn a massive purse against world elite combatants such as Manny Pacquaio, Floyd Mayweather, Miguel Cotto, or stay at 140 for a unification scrap against WBO strap carrier Timothy Bradley.
Peterson (Left)
PETERSON’S BEEN THERE, DONE THAT, BUT WHERE IS IT GOING?
Launching his career with a very promising record of 27-0, Lamont Peterson found himself in his 28th professional bout standing opposite of another perfect fighter and WBO champion; Timothy Bradley. In Lamont’s toughest task to date, he was handily outscored by the more superior pugilistic craft of Bradley (L UD 12). Postmortem, Peterson regrouped and got back on the scene picking up a knockout win against frivolous scrapper Damian Fuller (W KO 7). Up next for Lamont was a crossroads battle against another come backing light welterweight, Victor Ortiz. In a “back and forth” fever pitched battle of wills, Peterson; despite being dropped in round three, was able to earn a draw against Ortiz. Thereafter, Lamont went on to score an impressive 12th round knockout win against rugged brawler Victor Cayo which put him back in line for another shot at the title.
SOLID CURTAIN RAISER JOINT BENEATH
Albeit against unheralded foes; by putting nine of his ten adversaries faces to the floor, “up and coming” American heavyweight Seth Mitchell (23-0-1, 17 KOs) gets some television exposure by the “suits” at HBO and takes a step up in talent against battle tested, but been bested pug Timur Ibragimov (30-3-1, 16 KOs) in a slated 10 rounds of pound.
The “RJ” of today
NOTE: Although this bout won’t be televised, I felt obligated to let the masses know that ring legend in decline Roy Jones Jr. (54-8, 40 KOs) will unfortunately box again on Saturday. This time, Roy will engage non-threatening feather fisted cruiserweight (200) Max Alexander (14-5-2, 2 KOs) at the Civic Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Let’s hope Roy is just looking to end his once brilliant career with a win (which he should certainly get) and walk away from the sport.
John Signorella