By Salvador Rodriguez
Mexican promoter Fernando Beltrán of Zanfer Promotions, who works with Juan Manuel Marquez, considers Lamont Peterson (30-1-1, 15KOs) as a very credible "Plan B" opponent - if Manny Pacquiao refuses to face Marquez for a fourth time. Peterson is the current junior welterweight champion of the International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Association.
"Pacquiao is Plan A, but if he says no - then a good Plan B is Peterson, a fighter who just signed with Top Rank and that I personally believe is [an easier fight to make] than Tim Bradley, the fighter that Juan Manuel has in mind," Beltran said.
However, there are several obstacles. Peterson and Marquez are both being considered by Pacquiao as possible opponents for June 9 or June 16. The other two candidates are Miguel Cotto and Timothy Bradley. The IBF is holding a hearing on January 18th. Former champion Amir Khan, who Peterson decisioned in December, filed an appeal to force an immediate rematch. If the IBF rules in Khan's favor, Peterson would be obligated to face him next.
Salvador Rodriguez covers boxing in Mexico for The Record.
