The D.C. Underdog: Lamont Peterson vs. Timothy Bradley

The D.C. Underdog:  Lamont Peterson vs. Timothy Bradley

The Washington, DC Metro Area, now known as “Barack City”, has produced noteworthy pugilistic talent for many years. To name a few, Bob Foster, Ray Leonard, Simon Brown, Mark Johnson, Sharmba Mitchell, Demarcus Corley, William Joppy, and currently Anthony & Lamont Peterson.

Straight out of the “go hard” South East streets of the former “Murder Capital of the World”, D.C.’s “Peterson Brothers” story of rags to riches, literally, is made for reality television. If being dealt a “bad hand”, and living through financial and emotional hardship is a prerequisite to prizefighting greatness, than the D.C. duo are destined to become World Champions.

On Saturday, December 12th at 9pm EST on Showtime, we will witness a classic “boxer-puncher” match up as boxing ascends back to global recognition with an excellent close to the 2009 season. Lamont Peterson will be challenging the talented champion, Timothy Bradley, for his coveted WBO Junior Welter Weight Belt. Many boxing pundits, other than me, believe Peterson has not fought the same level of competition as the “Schwarzenegger-esque”, “Mini Me” version, Timothy Bradley.

Before going any further, let’s glance at the Tale of the Tape:

Height: Peterson 5’9”/ Bradley 5’6”
ADVANTAGE Peterson by 3”
Weight: Peterson 140/ Bradley 140
EVEN
Reach: Peterson 74”/ Bradley 69”
ADVANTAGE Peterson by 5”

SIZE:
When we examine the size quotient of the two pugilists, let’s do our due diligence by putting our kinesiologist hats on. Size alone does not reveal the most honest comparison of the fighters, but somatotype or body type helps to expose the truth. The somatotype of Timothy Bradley is best described as a compact mesomorph—stocky. This trait, coupled with the genetic gift of speed; or the presence of a plethora of type 2b muscle fibers, yield what many consider lightning fast reflexes and an effective jab. By contrast, Lamont Peterson is best described as an ecto-meso somatotype with the emphasis on the “ecto”—sinewy. Peterson’s longer extremities and almost equal punch velocity will prove to be a key factor into how and why the underdog will emerge victorious.

SPEED:
The slight, let me repeat, slight speed edge goes to the compact speedster from California. However, this miniscule speed edge will be rendered insignificant due to the D.C. native’s mastery of an offensive and defensive jab that is as polished as the wheels on Jay-Z’s Bentley.

SKILL:
In the skill department I would grade the two boxer-punchers equal, because the different skill sets the two gentlemen have mastered are due to differing anatomical qualities. Stocky vs. Sinewy. Long vs. Short. Street vs. Suburbs…

On another topic, word on the “street” is that Lamont Peterson had some very impressive moments against Floyd Mayweather, Jr. during a sparring session this past summer. Of course, it is fair to say this is hearsay. But if this is true, I don’t see the speed of Bradley rattling Petersons’ game plan. If Peterson can exploit the shorter man’s reach disadvantage by employing straight right hands as his preferred method of attack, the Washingtonian should effectively penetrate the defense of “Desert Storm”. However, Peterson will not only have to be attentive to the speed of the champion, but to the Kevlar-like head of the Palm Springs native that he sometimes adopts as an alternative to fighting with his hands. On the other hand, Bradley will have to use good head movement, which he already possesses, and strategies of entry to keep the fight on the inside. Body shots and close quarters combinations will be the champions’ best “friends”.

In my opinion, Petersons’ ability to keep Bradley at bay and off balance, via an effective single and double jab, will be one of the keys to victory for the fighter who prefers “Go-Go” to “Hip-Hop”. The way I see this prizefight, is that the “hungrier” man wins this bout by decision. In the words of Bob Marley, “A hungry man is an angry man…” Stay focused Lamont, bring the title home, and have lunch at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. when you get back. Word on the street is that you don’t even need an invite. Stick and move!