April 28, 2006: Lamont Peterson (16-0, 7 KOs) vs. Mario Jose Ramos (16-2-1, 3 KOs), 10 rounds, junior welterweights; Anthony Peterson (16-0, 12 KOs) vs. Jermaine White (13-0, 6 KOs), 8 rounds, junior welterweights. At the 4 Bears Casino and Lodge in New Town, North Dakota. (Showtime)
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The up-and-coming Peterson brothers bring both of their undefeated records into the ring on Friday on Showtime's ShoBox: The New Generation. While both will face their toughest opponents to date inside the ring, it should be fairly easy in relation to their upbringing. The brothers lived on the street from the ages of 8 to 10 (Lamont is 14 months older than Anthony) and spent most of their youth lives in poverty.
The Petersons have an impressive fanbase, considering how early they are in their careers. Both made it to the 2004 United States Olympic trials finals before both losing to the eventual representative for their respective divisions. Lamont even vacated his spot in the 132 pound division and move up to 141 pounds in order to free up a spot for Anthony.
Lamont, 22, faces southpaw Ramos, who didn't fight from October 2002 to July 2005, is 4-1 since returning, with the loss coming in his last fight in March. This bout is huge for both fighters; a win would give Peterson his most impressive to date while a victory for Ramos get his career back on track. Ramos lacks the power to knock out Peterson, so look for Peterson to wear down Ramos by constantly attacking the body. Both boxers have yet to be knocked out, so this fight going the distance is very likely.
Prediction: L. Peterson by unanimous decision.
By most accounts, Anthony is the lesser talented of the two brothers. That said, Anthony has a big left hook and is more likely to win by knockout than Lamont. In his last fight, on March 11, Anthony knocked out Steven Verdin in the third round. Jermaine White, also undefeated, steps into the ring for the first time in 2006. White is known for his tremendous speed and solid mechanics and could present a tough matchup for Peterson. Peterson would be best served not to stand toe-to-toe with White and allow White to score with quick jabs. Peterson ought to try to move around and set up his left hook with some straight right hands into the defense of White.
Prediction: A. Peterson by KO in Round 6.
