Lamont Peterson, once struggling as a homeless youth on the streets of Washington, is all about timing as a fighter and he says his time has come to beat England’s Amir Khan and be a champion.
Peterson, 29-1-1 with 15 knockouts, will fight Khan, 26-1 with 18 knockouts, on December 10 in the US capital to try and claim the Englishman’s World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation light-welterweight titles.
Peterson’s only loss came two years ago to unbeaten American compatriot Timothy Bradley, but has progressed since that fight and become confident in his style, skills and ability.
“I’m more confident at that level, world championship fights, being more confident in doing what I know how to do,” Peterson said Tuesday. “I feel I’ve progressed enough to become a star in this sport.
“I believe that it’s my time as a professional to be on top.”
Khan, who has won his past eight fights, plans to beat Peterson and move into the welterweight ranks where such stars as Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao await.
But Peterson dreams of such big paydays as well and likes how his speed matches up against that of Khan.
“I’m a timing type of fighter,” Peterson said. “He throws a lot of punches and he throws them in bunches. He’s fast. But I’m fast too. And timing beats speed every time. Sometimes you can go too fast. Timing is everything.
