Tim “Desert Storm” Bradley Vs. Lamont Peterson On Sat.

Until a little more than a year ago few fight fans knew about Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley and right now they know even less about Lamont “Havoc” Peterson.

Believe me,  they know about each other.

“I’ve known Timothy for a long time,” said Peterson (27-0, 13 KOs) who fights out of Washington D.C.,  a hotbed for boxing. “We even roomed together in England when we were amateurs fighting in a tournament over there.”

Bradley and Peterson are very familiar with each other having participated as representatives in international competition as amateurs. Both have extensive experience as amateurs.

Now Peterson will try to punch his way toward winning Bradley’s WBO junior welterweight title on Saturday, Dec. 12, at Agua Caliente Casino. The Gary Shaw Production will be televised by Showtime.

Just recently Bradley has grabbed boxing fans with his ultra fast hand and foot speed in successfully defending his title against Nate Campbell, Edner Cherry, and Kendall Holt. People forget he beat England’s then much hyped Junior Witter.

Bradley knows Peterson very well.

“Lamont is young, hungry and trying to make a name for himself,” said Bradley (24-0, 11 KOs) while at his Indio training camp that was bustling with fighters. “He’s got real long arms he’s going to try to keep me at bay and make me fall short.”

Speed and stamina are probably Bradley’s strongest attributes. Against Campbell the flashing fists and footwork were on full display. He has other factors that he plans to utilize.

“I have more experience than he does and the ability to adjust,” says Bradley who is fighting in Palm Springs a second time. “He’s fighting in my hometown so he will have to bring it.”

This fight is not just a regular world title fight between to 140-pounders. It’s perhaps the most pivotal battle in a division that is overlooked due to the blue hot welterweight division. But a victory by either Bradley or Peterson could lead to several lucrative and interesting fights.

Can anyone say Amir Khan?

Khan just recently erased Dmitriy Salita like a human fly swatter. Since teaming with venerable Freddie Roach, the lightning quick Khan with his ability to attract fans can energize the division.

Americans barely saw Khan one time. That came against former featherweight great Marco Antonio Barrera, who is past his prime. Salita may not have been estimated to be a world beater, but he was undefeated for 10 years.

Bradley realizes he’s smack in the middle of something good, but doesn’t want to look ahead. He knows Peterson presents a multitude of problems with his height, defense and overall boxing skill.

One more thing says Bradley about Peterson: “He’s got good conditioning.”

Peterson likes Bradley but this is all about winning for the Washington D.C. based fighter.

“If Bradley were engaging another opponent I would support him.  But since he is fighting against me, there is no such thing as a friendship,” says Peterson.