February the 22nd will finally see the return of the controversial IBF light welterweight champion Lamont Peterson (30-1-1). After a long 14 month layoff filled with speculation and uncertainty Peterson will step back into the spotlight against former WBO light welterweight king Kendall Holt (28-5) at the DC Armoury, Washington.
The last time the Washington native stepped into a ring on December 10th 2011, the boxing world witnessed the climax of a true Cinderella story as Peterson dramatically defeated Amir Khan for the IBF and WBA light welterweight world titles, or so they thought. In the weeks and months after Peterson's split decision victory the bout became steeped in controversy. The infamous 'hat man' was splashed over boxing news worldwide as allegations of scorecard tampering were raised by Amir Khan and his camp. The stage was set for an exciting rematch on May 19th, however the boxing world was left stunned once again as Peterson tested positive for synthetic testosterone, and less than 2 weeks before the pair were due to lock horns again. Peterson’s team maintained the testosterone was organic and used for medicinal purposes to treat hypogonadism and not as a performance enhancer.
Khan v Peterson ll was scrapped and in the months that followed the Washington man was stripped of his WBA world title. The IBF however took a different approach and after hiring an independant medical professional to examine Peterson's medical records they concluded that the testosterone found was indeed used for medical purposes, thus allowing Peterson to remain IBF light welterweight champion.
“We put all the facts out there about the drug testing, and people are going to still believe he's a drug cheat, that he’s a cheat,” Peterson said, referring to himself.
“We put all the facts out there about the drug testing, and people are going to still believe he's a drug cheat, that he’s a cheat,” Peterson said, referring to himself.
“At this point I know the only thing I can do to change people’s minds is to give out solid performances, keep winning, more world titles, keep climbing the ladder, and then slowly but surely I’ll change people’s minds.”
The IBF champion, who was originally ordered to fight Zab Judah before Judah instead chose to take on WBC king Danny Garcia, insists also fears of ring rust will not enter his mind as he has lived in the gym with trainer Barry Hunter for the past year.
Danny Bonnar
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