Amir Khan (26-1, 18 KO’s) vs. Lamont Peterson (29-1, 15 KO’s) is a fight where you clearly have to favor Khan, but Peterson’s boxing skills, toughness and the fact that he’s fighting in his hometown of Washington, D.C. can not be whisked away.
Here’s how I break down the fight:
- Both men have shown that they can be dropped, so their chins are a push.
- The hand speed is close but I’d give Khan the slight edge here.
- Ring generalship is an advantage for Khan because of his ability to revert to boxing behind his considerable jab when needed.
- Khan’s three best opponents were Marcos Maidana, Zab Judah and Paulie Malignaggi. Peterson’s were Timothy Bradley, Victor Oritz and Victor Manuel Cayo. I think Peterson’s opponents are slightly better, especially because his top opponents were younger and in their prime.
- Khan is clearly the more powerful puncher.
- It’s hard for me to discern which fighter is better conditioned. They both have shown an ability to recover after being badly hurt (Khan against Maidana and Peterson against Ortiz). I’ll call the conditioning even.
- Both fighters are more boxer-puncher, stylistically, rather than slick movers. However, I think Khan has better wheels.
- Khan (5’10") and Peterson (5’9") are solidly-built, relatively tall junior welterweights. Khan seems to be the naturally stronger fighter however.
- Is it just me, or does it seem that Peterson tends to get hit a lot? His defense leaves something to be desired.
- Peterson’s major advantage will be the hometown crowd, which will buoy his fighting spirit and shouldn’t hurt on the scorecards, should fight go the distance.
I have six factors in Khan’s favor, two in Peterson’s and two seemingly even.
This will all add up to a reasonably competitive, but clear victory (via late stoppage) by Amir Khan in a week.
