Lamont Peterson facts for kids

Lamont Peterson (born January 24, 1984) is an American former professional boxer. He competed from 2004 to 2019. He won world championships in two different weight classes. These included the IBF light welterweight title from 2011 to 2015. He also held the WBA (Regular) welterweight title in 2017.

Early Life and Boxing Start

Lamont Peterson and his younger brother, Anthony Peterson, faced a tough childhood. They were left without parents when they were young. Their father was in prison, and their mother had personal struggles. The brothers were reportedly homeless in Washington, D.C., for several years.

When Lamont was 10, a boxing coach named Barry Hunter noticed them. Hunter helped them learn how to box. He also guided them in life. Both brothers became successful amateur boxers. They often said their hardest fights were against two brothers from Virginia, Ordano and Orazio Robinson.

Amateur Boxing Career

Lamont Peterson had a strong amateur career.

• In 2001, he became the National Golden Gloves Lightweight Champion.

He won the 141-pound US championship in 2003. He had wins against other famous boxers like Rock Allen, Mike Alvarado, Andre Dirrell, and Willy Blain.

Professional Boxing Journey

Light Welterweight Fights

Starting Out Strong

Lamont Peterson began his professional boxing career on September 25, 2004. He fought on the same night as his brother Anthony. Lamont won his first fight very quickly, in just 22 seconds! He stayed undefeated through 2004 and 2005, winning 15 fights in a row.

On February 17, 2006, Peterson won his first title, the vacant WBC United States light welterweight title. He won by a clear decision after 10 rounds. He later won the vacant WBO NABO super lightweight title in 2007. He also fought outside the U.S. for the first time, winning by knockout in the Turks and Caicos Islands. In November 2008, he won the Interim NABF title.

First Big Challenge: Bradley

In April 2009, Peterson won the vacant WBO Interim title. This meant he would fight the full champion, Timothy Bradley. Their fight was on December 12, 2009. Bradley knocked Peterson down in the third round. Peterson fought hard but lost the fight by a clear decision. This was his first professional loss. After the fight, Peterson said he gave it his all.

After this loss, Peterson returned to the ring in April 2010 and won by TKO in the seventh round.

A Close Fight with Ortiz

On December 11, 2010, Peterson fought Victor Ortiz. Ortiz knocked Peterson down twice in the third round. However, Peterson fought back strongly in the later rounds. The fight ended in a majority draw, meaning the judges couldn't agree on a winner. One judge thought Peterson won, but the others scored it a tie. Many people watching felt Ortiz had won.

Winning World Titles: Khan Fight

In September 2011, it was announced that Peterson would challenge Amir Khan for his WBA and IBF light-welterweight titles. The fight took place in Washington, D.C., Peterson's hometown, on December 10. Peterson won the fight by a split decision. It was a very close and debated fight. The referee took points away from Khan for pushing, which was unusual. Peterson was also knocked down twice, but one was called a slip.

Many people felt the decision was unfair to Khan, especially since Peterson was fighting at home. After the fight, Khan said he felt like he was fighting both Peterson and the referee. Peterson earned a career-high amount of money for this fight.

A rematch was planned for May 2012. However, it was found that Peterson had a problem with a test. Because of this, he lost his WBA title. He later admitted to the issue. Khan was then given back the WBA championship.

Defending His Title: Holt Fight

On February 22, 2013, Peterson defended his IBF title against Kendall Holt in Washington, D.C. This was his first fight in 14 months. Peterson started slowly but then took control. He knocked Holt down twice and won by TKO in the eighth round. He successfully defended his title in front of his home crowd.

Tough Loss to Matthysse

On May 18, 2013, Peterson fought Lucas Matthysse. This fight was at a special weight, so no titles were on the line. Peterson lost the fight by TKO in the third round. He was knocked down once in the second round and twice more in the third. This was the first time Peterson had been stopped in a fight. Peterson said he felt he could have kept fighting, but the referee made the right call. Both boxers earned their highest paychecks for this fight.

Back to Winning: Jean Fight

On January 25, 2014, Peterson defended his IBF title against undefeated boxer Dierry Jean in his hometown. Peterson won the fight by a unanimous decision, giving Jean his first loss. Peterson used his speed and combinations to outwork Jean. After the fight, Peterson said that losing is part of boxing when the best fighters compete.

Another Close Fight: García

On April 11, 2015, Lamont Peterson fought Danny García. This was a highly anticipated fight and was not for any titles. Peterson started defensively, trying to make it hard for García. García threw more punches, but Peterson's style kept him in the fight. Peterson looked strong in the later rounds. However, García won the fight by a majority decision. It was a very close fight, with some judges scoring it very close.

Welterweight Division

Moving Up: Diaz Fight

On October 17, 2015, Peterson moved up to the welterweight division. He fought undefeated boxer Félix Díaz. Peterson won a close 12-round majority decision. He landed good body punches, but some people thought Diaz had won. Peterson felt he had done enough to win, even though he had cramps during the fight.

Becoming a Two-Weight Champion: Avanesyan

On February 18, 2017, Peterson fought David Avanesyan for the WBA (Regular) welterweight title. Peterson won the fight by a unanimous decision after 12 rounds. This made him a champion in two different weight classes! The fight was exciting and competitive. This win put Peterson in a good position to fight other top boxers.

Challenging Spence Jr.

On October 3, 2017, Peterson gave up his WBA title. This was so he could challenge IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr.. Their fight took place on January 20, 2018. Spence Jr. was a very strong opponent.

In the fight, Spence Jr. was very powerful. He knocked Peterson down in the fifth round. Peterson's face became swollen, and he took a lot of punches. After the seventh round, Peterson's trainer, Barry Hunter, decided to stop the fight to protect him. Hunter said that Peterson would never give up, so he had to make the tough choice for his boxer's safety. At the time the fight was stopped, Spence Jr. was ahead on all the judges' scorecards.

Final Fight: Lipinets

On March 24, 2019, Peterson fought former champion Sergey Lipinets. Peterson had not fought since his loss to Spence Jr. He said he needed time to rest and recover after a long career.

The fight was tough. Peterson started well, but Lipinets hurt him badly in the eighth round. In the tenth round, Lipinets continued to land strong punches and knocked Peterson down. Peterson's trainer, Barry Hunter, threw in the towel, stopping the fight.

After this fight, Lamont Peterson announced his retirement from boxing. He told the crowd that it had been a long career and it was time to stop. He was happy to end his career at home.

Return to Boxing

Peterson vs. Ogundo

On January 7, 2023, Lamont Peterson returned to the ring for a fight against Michael Ogundo. The fight was scheduled for six rounds. In the fourth round, Ogundo knocked Peterson down. Peterson got back up, but he had taken many punches. His corner decided to stop the fight to protect him.

Professional Boxing Record

See also

In Spanish: Lamont Peterson para niños

• List of light-welterweight boxing champions
• List of welterweight boxing champions