Peterson and his brother Anthony Peterson are regularly featured on ESPN boxing telecasts, and their story has been frequently discussed on the show. The Petersons were left without parents at an early age, with their father in prison and their mother suffering personal issues.
The brothers were reportedly homeless on the streets of Washington, DC for several years. While homeless at age 10, they were noticed by Barry Hunter, a boxing coach. Over time Hunter developed their boxing skills while mentoring them, and both brothers morphed into amateur boxing stars.
Amateur career
Peterson was the 2001 National Golden Gloves Lightweight Champion. He became 141 lbs US champion in 2003. He holds wins over Rock Allen 2003 who beat him twice 2004 in the Olympic box-offs, Mike Alvarado, and Andre Dirrell, as well as 2003 amateur world champion Willy Blain (in 2003).
Pro career
In 2009 Peterson defeated Blain by 7th round TKO to win the interim WBO Light Welterweight World Championship belt. He fought Timothy Bradley for a major title in late 2009, but lost by unanimous decision.
On the undercard of Amir Khan vs. Marcos Maidana, Lamont faced title challenger Victor Ortiz on December 11 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and fought to a majority draw.
Amir Khan
Peterson defeated Amir Khan for the WBA and IBF light-welterweight titles in Washington DC on 10 December 2011 by split decision. There was some controversy over the refereeing, due to two point deductions against Khan for pushing off.
Nickname:
Havoc
Lamont Peterson
World Champion
Born
Jan 24, 1984
Age
29
Height
5'9"
Reach
74"
Head Trainers
Stance
Orthodox
Style
Division
Super Lightweight
Years Active
2004-present
Record
31
1
1
NC
0
KOs
16
KO%
48%
Origin
Memphis, TN USAProfile
Strengths
Speed
Agility
Footwork
Significant Wins
SD 12 Amir Khan - 2011
TKO 12 Victor Cayo - 2011
MD Draw Victor Ortiz - 2010
Amateur Info
2001 National Golden Gloves Lightweight Champion