It looks like the rematch is on between newly crowned WBA/IBF Junior Welterweight Champion Lamont Peterson (30-1-1 with 15 KO?s) and former champion Amir Khan (26-2 with 18 KO?s). Khan confirmed via Twitter yesterday that the fight will be on May 19that the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas. Their first fight which took place in Peterson?s hometown of Washington, DC contained much controversy both in regards to the result (a split decision victory for Peterson that included two one point deductions from Khan for ?pushing?) and a mysterious ringside man wearing a black hat who was accused of being an IBF official and tampering with the official scorecards in favor of Peterson. The man was later identified as Mustafa Ameen and the IBF confirmed he was not an employee of theirs, but rather someone with the purpose of connecting with these fighters in order for the IBF to provide them with some financial assistance?.
Throughout the ensuing weeks following their December 2011 fight, it was looking like Peterson would face the great Juan Manuel Marquez prior to re-matching Peterson, but it has unfolded differently and we now can look forward to the sequel to one of last year?s fight of the year candidates. This author scored the first fight for Khan 114-111. There were some very difficult rounds to score, but by the end I didn?t get the feeling that we had a new champion. Regardless of whether he deserved the victory or not, Peterson deserves credit for fighting a spirited fight under the immense pressure that comes with fighting in your hometown, and kudos to both fighters for putting forth the kind of effort required of generating such an exciting fight for the fans.
Due to the styles of both fighters, I expect another action packed fight. It?s almost inconceivable that the rematch will be a dull one. Khan a profusion of fast punches and Peterson is more conservative in his punch output, but throws excellent shots to the head and body. I expect another very competitive, intensely fought fight with possibly a little more clinching on Khan?s part on the inside to help preclude being hit with body shots and short punches that he absorbed in their first battle.
Being the taller, rangier fighter it would behoove Khan to draw a line in the sand and make Peterson pay for crossing the line, and smothering him on the inside if and when he gets there ala Cotto against Margarito in their second fight. The jab and uppercut should be key punches for Khan against the aggressive come forward style that Peterson employs. Peterson is an excellent fighter and has a chance to leave the ring with his belts, but it will take another great performance and a little luck to do so. Peterson also needs to utilize good timing to counter Khan?s speed and quickness advantage and cut the ring off and land effective punches at short range. I wouldn’t be surprised to see one or two flash knockdowns in the fight. I expect Peterson to have his moments, but to lose a relatively close unanimous decision due namely to Khan?s clean volume punching. Look for Khan to move up to the Welterweight division after this fight seeking greener pastures.
