Lamont Peterson (33-2, 17KOs) is deep in training for his showdown against undefeated Philadelphia native Danny "Swift" Garcia on April 11th at the Barclay's Center in Brooklyn, NY. Peterson has been itching to land this matchup for some time and he will now get his opportunity on one of the biggest stages as this will serve as PBC's second installment on network television. Many felt this matchup should've happened back on August 9th when both men fought on the same card, but in separate bouts. Instead, it served as a build-up, and now almost 8 months later, we will finally see these two face off in the ring.
While this fight will likely determine who the best fighter in the division is, many were disappointed to find out this will not be a unification title fight since they will be fighting at a catchweight of 143 pounds. There was a bit of backlash from the public and media, who preferred to see both men square off at the 140-pound limit. While Peterson would love the belts to be on the line, he thinks being able to finally fight the guy regarded as the best is more than enough.
"At the end of the day, I know belts mean a lot to the fans, but we're taking on the number one guy," Peterson would tell FightHype during a recent interview. "Everyone considers Danny Garcia to be the number one guy. So at the end of the day, you're fighting the best guy in the weight class. I think that means more than a title; the WBC or the IBF or any of the belts. I think the boxing fans will understand, recognize, and embrace it and go with it".
The catchweight is a big indication that Garcia's days as a Jr. Welterweight are probably over and he will more than likely move up to the Welterweight division despite the outcome of this fight. Making the venture into the higher weights is something Peterson plans to do as well. While he states he could've made the 140 weight limit, he also realizes there's a lot going on 7 pounds north.
"It seems like there's too much action going on up there for me not to think about it. I would definitely love that move. Likely it will be the next move for the next fight. But first we have to deal with Garcia and win this fight," said Peterson.
Lamont and his coach, Barry Hunter, are very confident going into this matchup, and according to Peterson, the fight's outcome will come down to skill.
"I just know Danny is a solid fighter. I expect a tough, competitive fight. When you're fighting an undefeated fighter, they don't want that first loss, so I expect him to compete all the way through," explained Lamont.
"Skills will be the difference. I can fight many different ways. I have the skills to fight inside and I have the skills to box. It's about choosing one and showing my skill level at whichever one I do.
Peterson has faced plenty top fighters in his career . While Garcia may be the top dog in his division at the moment, he doesn't feel Garcia is his toughest test to date.
"I'm not really sure. In boxing, styles make fights, so I won't say that he's the toughest fight to date. It will go down as my biggest victory probably. But as far as if I think it will be my toughest fight? No," Peterson would tell FightHype.
Peterson is training hard and looking forward to a victory on April 11th.
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