Peterson seizes Khan’s titles with controversial win
 By John J. Raspanti, Doghouse Boxing (Dec 12, 2011) Doghouse Boxing
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By John J. Raspanti, Doghouse Boxing: In a town known for its shady dealings, Lamont Peterson (with a little
help from referee Joe Cooper) upset Amir Khan by split decision last
night to win Khan’s IBF and WBA junior welterweight titles.
The fight was donnybrook from the first minute as the two fighters exchanged hard punches that would sustain for 36 minutes.
Khan (26-2, 18 KOs ) came out fast in round one jabbing and throwing
combinations. His edge in quickness was apparent as he used his legs to
avoid some of Peterson’s overhand bombs. Peterson (30-1, 15 KOs ) was
able to a land a thudding right hand to Khan’s body. Peterson hit the
canvas twice in the first round, but only one was ruled a legitimate
knockdown. As the bell sounded ending the round it appeared the fight
would be a relatively easy one for the more versatile, "King Khan."
In round two, Khan came out bouncing on his toes and met Peterson in the
center of the ring. Peterson was still loading up on his right and
missing that is until the last minute of the round when he connected
solidly on Khan’s chin. Khan responded with a well-timed combination,
but Peterson won the round with some consistent bodywork.
The third round saw Peterson continuing his onslaught to Khan’s body.
With his hometown crowd extolling his every punch, Peterson kept after
Khan. The champion was still connecting with rights and lefts but,
Peterson’s confidence was growing.
Khan landed a beautiful uppercut in round four that stopped Peterson in
his tracks. Peterson was chasing Khan who was back peddling and throwing
combinations. His right eye was showing sign’s of damage courtesy of
Khan’s combination punching. Peterson's wicked bodywork continued as
Khan tried to keep him honest with jabs. Khan kept the action more in
the center of the ring in round five and did well. Peterson was taking
three to land one.
In round six Khan went back to trying to outbox Peterson. Khan was
beating him to the punch consistently as the ebb and flow of the bout
persisted. Khan controlled the first minute of round seven. Peterson
took the round over by backing Khan into the ropes and unleashing
another left and right to Khan’s body. Khan countered with a four-punch
combination. Peterson landed a huge right that stunned Khan. Near the
end of the round, referee Joe Cooper interrupted the action to deduct a
point from Khan for pushing. The decision to penalize seemed dubious at
best.
The fight was virtually even through seven rounds. Peterson landed
another heavy shot to Khan’s gut as the champion tried to keep him in
the center of the ring. Khan knew he had to box Peterson and use his
jab. He tried, but Peterson was showing some major determination.
Khan landed a beautiful combination in round nine that buckled Peterson.
The Washington , DC native connected with a heavy right to Khan’s ear
and a left to his side. Khan made the mistake of languishing on the
ropes as Peterson dug more bodyshots. The crowd was in a frenzy as
Peterson stalked. Khan bounced off the ropes with a snappy three-punch
combination to Peterson’s head. Khan was again trying to box, but
Peterson would have none of it. He was in Khan’s grill to stay. It was
still anybody’s fight.
The last round saw Khan winning the first minute. Peterson landed
another good right that bothered Khan. Khan was still managing to win
the round, when referee Joe Cooper showed a real lapse in judgment. This
time he took a point from Khan for hitting on the break. Cooper’s call
would determine the winner.
One judge had Khan winning 115-110, but the other two had Peterson the victor by one point, 113-112.
This was a superb fight and Peterson winning the title a great story.
Referee Cooper’s silly decisions notwithstanding, Peterson fought
extremely well.
“It’s been a long road and all the hard work paid off”, said the classy Peterson.
The loss is a devastating one for Khan who looked to be Floyd
Mayweather’s next opponent. Now he eyes March 31 and his rematch with
Peterson in Las Vegas .
Khan was upset with the decision and gave his opinion of referee Cooper.
“It was like I was against two people in there. He gave me a warning, but he (Peterson) kept coming with his head.”
More from John:
 Abner Mares and Joseph Agbeko: “Let’s do it again” John J. Raspanti
Bloodsport 2: Miguel Cotto vs. Antonio Margarito John J. Raspanti
In the Ring with boxing writer Adam Pollack John J. Raspanti
The young gun and the old pro: Saul Alvarez vs. Kermit Cintron John J. Raspanti
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Questions/comments johnboxing1@hotmail.com
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