Lamont Peterson vs. Zab Judah finalised – Boxing News
After much consideration, Lamont Peterson, the current IBF light welterweight titlist, has decided to face no. 1 challenger Zab Judah. The fight purse for both the fighters is way less than expected.
Promotional rights for the fight were won by Headbangers Boxing, a promotional agency run by Barry Hunter, Peterson’s trainer and manager. He was the only bidder one Tuesday and so he won the rights. Peterson will be getting $37,500 for the fight while Judah
will get $12,500.
It should be noted here that Peterson’s last fight earned him a lot more than this one. He went head to head with the then WBA and IBF unified light welterweight titlist Amir Khan to earn $650,000.
“The fight must be done in 90 days, or by Jan. 2, 2013,” said IBF championships chairman Lindsey Tucker.
While talking to ESPN.com regarding the fight, Judah said he hardly cares for the financial aspect of the fight.
“My thing is I've been around a long time and financially I'm OK in life,” said Judah. “I know that I need that title for the Zab Judah train to stay afloat. So we're gonna be there. We're coming to D.C., with a game plan. I'm in top shape right now. You
can ask anyone in the gyms in Las Vegas. I've been killing guys in the gym.”
“We are in. I know the bigger picture. I know what Zab Judah winning means. I said I ain't doing this only because of the money,” he added.
Peterson was previously being scheduled for a rematch against Khan earlier this year. However, after Peterson was found guilty of using performance enhancing drugs, Khan backed off and appealed to the IBF to strip the American off his titles. However, after
thorough inquiry of the situation, the IBF maintained that Peterson can retain the title. On the other hand, the WBA title Peterson earned from Khan was stripped off and given back to the Briton fighter. Unfortunately, Khan lost the title after a week to unbeaten
American fighter Danny Garcia.
As of now, Judah believes it is time to claim a title and he should not be worried about the purse for the fight.
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