Peterson on PBC: Happy To Be A Part of the Movement

By Jake Donovan

Like many in his generation, Lamont Peterson never really knew what it felt like to grow up with boxing on free TV. The 31-year old junior welterweight was still in his teen years by the time the sport was all but phased out from the free networks, unable—and unwilling—to contend with the license fees offered by regional and pay-cable outlets.

Like many currently under Al Haymon’s advisory banner, Peterson now has a chance to help right that wrong and help attract a new generation of fans. The reigning 140 lb. titlist faces unbeaten World lineal junior welterweight king Danny Garcia this Saturday evening at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The non-title fight—which takes place at a maximum catchweight of 143 lbs.—will air live on NBC in the network’s second installment of Premier Boxing Champions series.

“I’m happy to be a part of this movement—it's putting big spotlight on boxing,” notes Peterson (33-2-1, 17KOs), who has fought on HBO, Showtime, ESPN2 and Comcast Sports Network, but never on free TV. “I'm ready to put on a show!"

Peterson has led a nine lives-like career. The D.C. native suffered a knockout loss to Lucas Matthysse just two years ago and before that coming up positive during random pre-fight drug testing for excessive amounts of synthetic testosterone in his system. The occurence killed his planned May ’12 rematch with Amir Khan and also called into question the legitimacy of his win over the Brit in their Dec. ’11 bout.

Through it all, Peterson has managed to hold on to his alphabet title dating back to the split decision nod over Khan at home in Washington D.C. Because the loss to Matthysse took place at a 141 lb. catchweight, Peterson remained a titlist, having defended three times since returning to the ring in 2013 following a lengthy suspension for the aforementioned failed drug test.

His most recent win came last August, scoring a one-sided 10th round knockout of Edgar Santana in their mismatch at Barclays Center. The bout was his first in the venue, sharing the bill with Garcia, who stopped overmatched Rod Salka in two rounds on a night littered with mismatches.

Whereas the August 9 bill they split at Barclays was rightfully vilified, this weekend’s card at the venue comes with far greater fan fare. In a positive trend, good news seems to surround the sport as of late, in large part thanks to boxing being everywhere you look on TV.

“For me, I'm happy for every fighter that's going to participate in the event, because so many times people are saying boxing is dead, and I truly do not believe boxing is dead.” Peterson insists. “I believe that boxing was put on the back burner.

“Seems like right now, boxing is going to get much-needed attention, and I'm just happy for everyone that gets a chance to participate in this movement.”

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox