by James Slater: Talented boxing brothers, the Petersons – Anthony and Lamont – kick off 2008’s boxing schedule on January 4th with potentially the toughest fights so far in their careers. 22-year-old Anthony, a 25-0(18) lightweight, meets the never-stopped Mexican, Guadalupe Rosales, while 23-year-old Lamont, a 23-0(11) light-welterweight, boxes the unbeaten Brazilian Antonio Mosquita. The action takes place at The Hard Rock casino in Biloxi, Mississippi and just before Christmas this writer was fortunate enough to have had a quick Q and A session with both brothers.
Speaking to me during a break from training in Washington D.C, here is what they had to say. First up, I spoke with older brother, Lamont.
James Slater: What do you know about your upcoming opponent, Antonio Mosquita (34-0(26)?
Lamont Peterson: Not too much, we just got a DVD of him today (December 20th) which we are gonna watch. But I don’t know too much right now.
J.S: On paper, many experts have Mosquita down as your toughest test so far. Do you agree?
L.P: Well, judging by his record, yeah. Obviously, I want to make a big statement by being the first man to beat him. A KO would be great too.
J.S: Will it be hard, not celebrating Christmas, and training instead?
L.P: It’s nothing new to us. We never really celebrated Christmas as kids, or birthdays or Thanksgiving ( as is well known, both Lamont and Anthony had extremely hard childhood years). So, no, training at a time like this is nothing special to us.
J.S: Does it feel good then, knowing you two are the first boxers to be having major fights in the new year?
L.P: It does feel good, yeah. Last year, we opened up ESPN’s season and this year we will be doing it for Showtime, who we now fight for. 2008 is definitely gonna be the Peterson brother’s year. We’re both gonna get those big fights and world titles in 2008.
I then had a quick word with Anthony Peterson.
J.S: Firstly Anthony, what do you know about your opponent, Guadalupe Rosales (25-2(15)?
Anthony Peterson: Nothing at all. I’ve not even seen his resume. I’m not saying that to be cocky or anything, we take every fight as though it were a world title fight anyway. We know we’re the best in the world right now, and next year we gonna take over the sport of boxing!
J.S: Do you have a prediction for your fight with Rosales?
A.P: I’m definitely gonna win. I predict I will get an explosive KO in around 7 or 8 rounds.
J.S: You’re both massively ambitious, clearly. Do you feel as though you’re at your peak right now?
A.P: No. I’m only 22, so I figure I’ll be at my peak at around age 25.
J.S: I know you and Lamont spar. How often, and who hits harder out of the two of you?
A.P: We spar all the time, all the time. As for who hits the hardest, I’m not sure. I’d say we pretty much even.
J.S: When will you wind down training for the Jan 4th fight?
A.P: Oh, a couple days before the fight. We are both looking forward to putting on a great show for the fans. That’s what boxing needs right now, fighters who are willing to always face the best. We don’t duck no-one!
J.S: I know you’re pressed for time and training. It’s been great speaking with you both. For my final question, who would your absolute dream fight be against in the future?
A.P: I wanna fight Juan Diaz, definitely. I’m sure that would be another great fight for the fans. But with my style, I’m sure I can beat him. I’ve been watching him for some time, and I really want that fight.
Both brothers then went back to heavy training. Though the interviews were short, I am grateful for the time they afforded me.