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Moments ago at the Convention Center in Washington, D.C., hometown favorite Lamont Peterson scored an improbable upset as he defeated former WBA/IBF champion Amir Khan via split-decision after twelve hard-fought rounds.
Khan had success early, dropping Peterson in the first round and controlling the tempo of the fight, but Peterson had a big fourth round and turned the bout into a dogfight.
The middle rounds saw Peterson change the flow of the fight with sheer pressure and tremendous bodywork but Khan would show a fighter?s spirit by rallying in the late rounds. At the sound of the final bell the decision appeared to be up in the air.
One scorecard favored Khan by a 114-111 margin while two tallies of 113-112 where in Peterson?s favor as he takes of the WBA and IBF belts.
Speaking to HBO?s Larry Merchant after the fight, Peterson reflected on his fighter?s temperament heading into the fight.
?As a person I stand for something,? said the underdog Peterson. ?I?ve been taught that since I was young, not to fall for anything. I?m not just going to lay down for anyone.?
People showed himself well in the grueling battle, noting ?In long distance fights I wear people down. I go to the body well.? Advertisement
Khan was deducted two points Joseph Cooper in the fight for apparently shoving Peterson but it was questionable that he received no warnings prior to his penalties.
?It was like I was against two people in there. The referee just wasn?t giving me a chance,? Khan would add.
Khan had mentioned he was eyeing a move to the welterweight class after the fight in hopes of tracking down Floyd Mayweather Jr. but his future now seems uncertain.
