Peterson prepares for ring return

Lamont Peterson will finally return to the ring tonight to face Kendall Holt in Washington, DC on ESPN Friday Night Fights. Peterson last fought in December 2011 when he defeated Amir Khan by split decision. Their rematch was scheduled for May 2012 but he tested positive for a banned substance, synthetic testosterone, when he took a random urine test. He admitted to taking the substance but said it was for medical reasons and also stated he took it prior to his win over Khan in 2011. Peterson got stripped of his WBA belt but was able to hold onto his IBF strap. The reason behind the IBF allowing him to keep their belt was that they reviewed the medical records and said the testosterone levels were not at a level that would enhance his performance.

The substance he took was illegal. So why didn’t he disclose this to VADA when they administered the test – which he had requested? However, it can also be taken to raise testosterone levels usually in men over 30. If levels are raised, but are not above normal, it is not considered cheating, although testosterone can aid with intensity and improvements of speed and power.

If he really did cheat I don’t think he should be allowed in a boxing ring again! Nevertheless he did not inform anyone before failing the test. Did he think the substance wasn’t going to show up?

In the Khan rematch he was expected to pocket around $1.5 million but in tonight’s fight with Holt he is only making around $37,500.

Holt, a former WBO light welterweight champion who can punch hard but lacks Peterson’s skills, has a record of 28-5. He is coming off almost a year out of the ring so he is the right opponent for Peterson who hasn’t seen action in about 14 months. Both fighters will probably be off a little when they step back into the ring.

Now that Peterson is signed with Golden Boy, who also promote Khan, a rematch could easily be made if Peterson as emerges the winner of his fight with Holt.

If Peterson is clean and honestly made a mistake not disclosing the substance he was taking then it will be good to see him back in the ring. However, if he really did cheat it’s another shameful boxing decision.