I remember when I first met Lamont Peterson. He and his younger brother Anthony were fighting at Fitzgerald’s Casino up in Tunica, MS. I have watched their careers go from a few fights removed from the amateurs, to prospects, to contenders, and in Lamont’s case to a world champion.
The Peterson brothers have spent many long days in the gym over the years. They were once homeless and living in a bus station in Washington DC. If it weren’t for their coach, and mentor, and father figure Barry Hunter, who knows where they would be now. Hunter took both kids off of the streets and gave them a chance at life.
Recently Lamont tested positive for testosterone and of course immediately following the news, the witch hunt would begin. If I remember correctly, it wasn’t even a few hours after Peterson beat Khan when I started reading and hearing all of the bitching, crying, and excuses from Khan and his team, so I shouldn’t be so surprised at how quickly they are wanting to throw Lamont under the bus now.
I recently spoke with Peterson’s physician on the 8CN Podcast so that I could better understand what exactly Peterson tested positive for. Knowing him like I know him, cheating just wasn’t something I was going to quickly accept. Once I heard the doctor explain things, it all made sense, and Lamont’s integrity remains solid.
Peterson suffers from a medical condition. His testosterone levels are more than half less than that of a normal human’s testosterone level. The type of pellets that were prescribed to him by his doctor are designed to “slowly release” the testosterone into his system. This is NOT the quick release type that someone who intended on cheating would use.
Secondly, it was the Peterson camp that demanded the VADA testing in the first place. Why the hell would Peterson demand the testing and knowingly cheat? This is the most ridiculous thing that I have ever heard. All the while, people around the boxing world are immediately throwing this kid under the bus calling him a cheater. Particularly Amir Khan and his team.
I spoke with Bob Arum about all of this as well. Arum said the subject of testing in boxing is “a mess that needs to be cleaned up.” He’s right, there needs to be one unified type of testing, one company, and that’s it.
Arum is hoping that Peterson will still be licensed to fight once the commission hears what the physician has to say. Team Peterson also intends on bringing in experts on Lamont’s medical condition. Peterson should be cleared of any wrong doing, and for those who felt compelled to throw this kid under the bus without due process, shame shame.
