Lamont Peterson facts for kids

Lamont Peterson (born January 24, 1984) is an American former professional boxer. He competed from 2004 to 2019. Lamont held world champion titles 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 tough challenges growing up. They were noticed by Barry Hunter, a boxing coach, when Lamont was about 10 years old. Coach Hunter helped them develop their boxing skills. He also guided them as mentors. Both brothers became successful amateur boxing stars.

Amateur Boxing Career

Lamont Peterson had a strong amateur career.

• In 2001, he won the National Golden Gloves Lightweight Championship.
• He became the 141-pound US champion in 2003.

He won against notable boxers like Mike Alvarado and Andre Dirrell. He also beat Willy Blain, who was an amateur world champion in 2003.

Professional Boxing Career

Lamont Peterson started his professional boxing journey in 2004. He quickly became known for his skill and determination.

Light Welterweight Division

First Professional Fights

Lamont Peterson made his professional debut on September 25, 2004. This fight took place in Memphis, Tennessee. Peterson won his first fight very quickly, stopping his opponent in just 22 seconds. He continued to fight well in 2004, staying undefeated. In 2005, Peterson won all 11 of his fights. By this time, he had 15 wins with no losses.

On February 17, 2006, Peterson fought for his first title. This was the vacant WBC United States light welterweight title. He won the title by a clear decision after 10 rounds. He then won several more fights. In September 2007, he won the vacant WBO NABO super lightweight title. He won this fight when his opponent retired in the seventh round. In November 2007, Peterson fought outside the US for the first time. He won by knockout in the first round.

Fighting for World Titles

In April 2009, Peterson won the vacant WBO Interim title. This made him a mandatory challenger for the full title. He then faced Timothy Bradley on December 12, 2009. Bradley was a top light welterweight boxer. Peterson was knocked down in the third round. After 12 rounds, Bradley won the fight by a clear decision. This was Peterson's first professional loss.

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

Peterson vs. Ortiz

On December 11, 2010, Peterson fought Victor Ortiz. Ortiz started strong, knocking Peterson down twice in the third round. However, Peterson fought back well in the later rounds. The fight ended in a majority draw. This means one judge scored it for Peterson, but the other two judges scored it as a tie.

Peterson vs. Khan

In December 2011, Lamont Peterson fought Amir Khan for the WBA and IBF light-welterweight titles. The fight took place in Peterson's hometown of Washington, D.C. Peterson won the fight by a split decision. This was a very close and debated fight. The referee took points away from Khan for pushing. Peterson was also knocked down twice, but one was called a slip.

A rematch was planned for May 2012. However, it was found that Peterson had tested positive for certain substances. He admitted to using them. Because of this, he was stripped of his WBA title. Khan was then given back his WBA championship.

Peterson vs. Holt

On February 22, 2013, Peterson defended his IBF title against Kendall Holt. This was Peterson's first fight in 14 months. He won the fight by TKO in the eighth round. Peterson knocked Holt down twice during the fight. He controlled the action from the fourth round onwards.

Peterson vs. Matthysse

On May 18, 2013, Peterson fought Lucas Matthysse. This was a big fight, but no titles were on the line. Matthysse won the fight by TKO in the third round. Peterson was knocked down once in the second round and twice more in the third. The referee stopped the fight for Peterson's safety. This was the first time Peterson had been stopped in a fight.

Peterson vs. Jean

On January 25, 2014, Peterson defended his IBF title against undefeated boxer Dierry Jean. The fight took place in Peterson's hometown. Peterson won the fight by a unanimous decision. He handed Jean his first career loss. Peterson showed great speed and combinations in this fight.

Peterson vs. García

On April 11, 2015, Lamont Peterson fought Danny García. This was a highly anticipated fight. It was a non-title bout at a slightly heavier weight. Peterson started defensively, trying to make it hard for Garcia. Garcia was very active, throwing many punches. Peterson fought strongly in the later rounds. However, Garcia won the fight by a majority decision.

Welterweight Division

Peterson vs. Diaz

On October 17, 2015, Peterson fought undefeated welterweight prospect Félix Díaz. Peterson won this close fight by a majority decision after 12 rounds. Peterson used strong body punches. He believed he did enough to win, even though he struggled with cramps during the fight.

Peterson vs. Avanesyan

On February 18, 2017, Peterson fought David Avanesyan for the interim WBA welterweight championship. Peterson won the fight by a unanimous decision after 12 rounds. This win made Lamont Peterson a champion in two different weight divisions. The fight was exciting and competitive.

Peterson vs. Spence Jr.

On January 20, 2018, Peterson challenged IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr.. The fight took place in Brooklyn, New York. Spence was very strong in this fight. He knocked Peterson down in the fifth round. Peterson's trainer, Barry Hunter, stopped the fight at the beginning of the eighth round. He did this to protect Peterson, saying that his fighter's well-being was more important than winning.

Peterson vs. Lipinets

On March 24, 2019, Peterson faced Sergey Lipinets. Lipinets landed a strong punch in the seventh round that hurt Peterson. Peterson tried to recover but struggled. Lipinets ended the fight by knocking Peterson down in the tenth round. Peterson's corner then threw in the towel, stopping the fight. After this fight, Lamont Peterson announced his retirement from boxing.

Professional boxing record

See also

In Spanish: Lamont Peterson para niños

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