Al Bello - Getty Images
Lamont Peterson has a big choice to make, but reportedly prefers to rematch Amir Khan than face Juan Manuel Marquez. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Lamont Peterson's manager/trainer Barry Hunter says that his fighter is still waiting to figure out if his next fight will be a rematch with Amir Khan or a fight against Juan Manuel Marquez, but notes that Peterson would personally prefer to rematch Khan. From Rick Reeno at BoxingScene.com:
"It’s still pretty much up in the air, but I know Lamont's preference is Khan. Most of that is his own personal reasons. But you can’t look at this stuff and take it personal, it’s all business. The things that’s intriguing about the Marquez fight, is it is Marquez, who is definitely going down as a Hall of Fame fighter. But that fight with Amir, that was one hell of a fight. And I’m with Lamont, I want to see that again also."
This is a really noteworthy and significant quote from Hunter, since it just might lend some true insight into what's next for Peterson, who is currently far hotter than he's ever been as a pro fighter thanks to his December 10 upset of Amir Khan. Controversy or not, Lamont Peterson is a made man now.
The good news for Peterson is he can't really make a wrong choice here. Richard Schaefer says that he's offered $1.5 million and 50-50 revenue worldwide to Peterson for a rematch with Khan, which is a great deal. Think what you want about how Golden Boy has handled all of this, but they're offering a great deal (in part because Peterson and Hunter being reluctant to just sign on has made them do so, so hats off to Peterson and Hunter).
But the Marquez idea is interesting because of what it could lead to after that. Another win over Amir Khan certainly solidifies Peterson as one of the top fighters out there, but so does a win over Marquez, and a win over Marquez could lead to a shot at Manny Pacquiao in November, if Pacquiao were to fight and defeat Timothy Bradley. Bob Arum's tournament idea is quite a proposition if it all works out, and I think for these guys to all take the fights (particularly Marquez and Peterson), they'd have to be assured that they're locked in for that November date. In fact, Marquez has basically said he'll fight Peterson, and gladly do so, but he needs to be guaranteed Pacquiao (or Bradley).
Which fight would you rather see, just straight-up? Peterson vs Khan II, or Peterson vs Marquez?
0 recs | 7 comments
LP's choices
vs. Khan – a loss by close margin
vs. Marquez – a wide UD loss
sounds like they’d rather take their chances with Khan and eek out another SD win than face Marquez and get schooled derailing the gravy train
dasilversurfer - January 30, 2012
Peterson should take the Khan fight. It’s the more winnable fight for him. I give him almost no chance against Marquez. Unless Marquez all of a sudden shows his age
Eugene Banks - January 30, 2012
I voted up Marquez just because it would give JMM the chance to be the first legitimate four-weight-class Mexican champion (I don’t give credit to Morales for essentially stealing Bradley’s belt). Also I think it would be a good test for Marquez, who hasn’t fought a young fresh fighter (on even terms) since the first Diaz fight. Peterson is more skilled than Katsidis was when he fought Marquez, and Katsidis got a few licks in on JMM.
Either fight would be fine with me, though. I believe the Khan-Peterson rematch will still be very competitive. Both fighters have room for improvement from the last time, but I feel the adjustments Khan has to make will be more drastic than the ones Peterson does, and I’d be inclined to give Peterson a slight edge going into that one.
theninthlayer - January 30, 2012
Both great fights, but I voted Khan, mainly because there is so much unfinished business from the first fight that I feel should be addressed.
Eoin_not_ian - January 30, 2012
VERY VERY bad move by Peterson
If he takes the fight with JMM he has a chance to also fight Manny. If he loses one of those fights he can still go back and fight Khan.
So it’s either fight JMM, get a payday, if he loses he fights khan and gets 2 big paydays, if he wins against JMM he gets atleast 3 big paydays, and even if he loses against JMM and loses, and beats Khan he’s still going to be getting more money for his career.
ORRRR
He can risk it all and fight Khan right now. If he wins he isn’t guarunteed to get Manny ever, and if he loses the fight he loses out on bigger paydays for the rest of his career
In Rainbows - January 30, 2012
I agree.
cylee1180 - January 30, 2012
Marquez is too much hombre for him
Take the money with Khan and beat him decisively. He fought Amir and knows what to look for. Freddie Roach wants Peterson either way.
honorablecbm - January 31, 2012 via iPhone app
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