KEY FIGHT RESULTS JANUARY:
Jean Pascal bt Lucian Bute via UD
Lamont Peterson bt Dierry Jean via UD
Marco Huck bt Firat Aslam via TKO6
Mikey Garcia bt Juan Carlos Burgos via UD
David Price bt Istvan Ruzsinszky via KO1
Mike Perez Draw Carlos Takam
Bryant Jennings TKO10 Artur Szpilka
Peterson overcomes Dierry Jean
By Paul Hampton
Before his fight with Dierry Jean (25-1) the biggest question being asked to Lamont Peterson (32-2-1) was just how much of an effect the knockout he suffered against Matthysse would have. His attitude was a simple one, it was yesterday’s news and it had not even entered his mind.
Whether that was true time would soon tell. A knock out like that can define fighters a career, often they are impossible to comeback from. However the IBF Light Welterweight Champion proved that everything he had said in the build-up was true.
The fight began as a battle of the jabs, however Peterson soon took over and by the end of the third both men had decided to stand toe to toe and trade heavy shots. By the fifth round Jeans eye had started to swell and the fight hand turned in to a close quarters brawl, and at this point Peterson began showboating; twirling his hands before landing clean shots on his retreating opponent.
The longer the fight went on, the more obvious it became that the champion was untroubled by anything his opponent could offer. He continued to dominate the fight eventually taking a unamious decision, 118-111, 116-112 and 115-113 on the judges card.
Garcia Cruises Past Burgos.
By Paul Hampton
A potential fight between Mikey Garcia (34-0) and Manny Pacquiao is still on track following a one sided win against Juan Carlos Burgos (30-2-2).
Early on the fight was competitive, Burgos giving as good as he got even managing to wobble Garcia in the second with a short left hook that landed perfectly, however Garcia regained his composure and came back firing.
As the fight wore on it became more and more one sided but it was glaringly obvious that Garcia would not push for the finish, whether this is because Burgos hurt him earlier in the fight, or because he didn’t feel the need to force the action is unknown, the crowd showed the discontent as the fighters came out to the twelfth round greeted by a chorus of jeers.Lest we forget that this is a guy being touted as the potential next big PPV draw in boxing. Performances such as this one can only be afforded once in a blue moon if he is to entice the big names and big bucks that many believe possible.
If Garcia is having doubts about his punch resistance, after all he has been wobbled a few times in recent fights, then a fight with the Flipino superstar may be the last thing on his wishlist.
I knew he will have nerves. I didn't want him to get confidence so I got on the gas. I didn't want him to have confidence and I knew at the end of the fight I would be in shape."