Khan vs Peterson: Timothy Bradley Emerges As Big Winner After Upset
by Scott Christ on Dec 11, 2011 12:30 PM EST
in Boxing Commentary & Opinion
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There is a lot to be said about last night's fight between Amir Khan and Lamont Peterson, in which Peterson scored one of the biggest upsets of 2011 with a split decision win that has sparked plenty of debate.
Was the referee to blame? Amir Khan thinks so. Will there be a rematch? Lamont Peterson says bring it on.
Some scored it for Peterson. Some for Khan. And many do feel that referee Joe Cooper was too much of a factor, and he was, in plain fact, the ultimate factor with two point deductions against Khan that gave Peterson two scorecards on 113-112 marks.
Peterson obviously was a big winner last night. He proved himself again as a world class fighter, in what was his best performance to date. Khan took a bit of a hit, but that may calm down some when people have time to digest it all and realize that the Brit once again provided an entertaining fight.
But the biggest PR winner last night wasn't in the ring. He was likely at home in Palm Springs, California. Maybe he watched the fight. Maybe he didn't. Fighters are a peculiar sort -- they don't care as much about what's going on in boxing as us crazy fans do, at least usually. Sometimes they skip fights.
Timothy Bradley was last night's biggest winner in the grand scheme of things.
More Khan-Peterson Coverage From Bad Left Hook
Recap | Rematch | Team Khan Statement | Oli Goldstein's Breakdown
Bradley did not have a good 20011, all things considered. His year started with a miserable bust of a fight against Devon Alexander in Pontiac, Michigan, drawing few fans to the all-but-abandoned Silverdome, the one-time home of the Detroit Lions now too ragged even to host mediocre NFL football. But Gary Shaw wouldn't go to St. Louis, and Don King wouldn't go to California. So neutral ground was found, and a lousy fight bit the dust. For all the hype HBO tried to give the fight, it was a hit with nobody.
But Bradley won convincingly.
He had promised to fight Amir Khan on July 23. The date was booked. Everyone was ready to go. Bradley and Khan had all but cleaned out the division, and the only truly significant test left for either man at 140 pounds was a fight with each other.
Both talked the fight up. All that had to happen was Bradley beating Alexander, which he did, and Khan beating Paul McCloskey on April 16, which he did. They delivered, though not in fights that were exactly whetting the appetite of the public.
Still, the fight was happening. Everyone knew it. And then Timothy Bradley balked. I have said countless times that I understood Bradley's position. He was leaving his promoters, Gary Shaw and Ken Thompson. While some cried about him ducking Khan, these were often the same people who say that they understand boxing is a business. No decision was ever a clearer business move than this one. Bradley, closing in on his 28th birthday and having gone as far as Shaw and Thompson could take him, wanted to join a power promoter.
So he scrapped the date with Khan. Anyone who felt he should have taken the fight and then left Shaw/Thompson was missing much of the point: A date with Amir Khan would still exist later, and he wasn't interested in taking that big of a risk while preparing to test the free agent waters.
Unmanly? Sure, maybe. Taking risks is something boxing fans love to see, particularly in matchmaking, where it can be as rare as a four-leaf clover. But what Bradley did was understandable.
Still, he invited criticism in interviews. He did himself no favors.
Then he signed with Top Rank, largely with hopes of being lined up as a Manny Pacquiao opponent in 2012. Arum & Co. signed him up for a fight with Joel Casamayor, which they bitterly defended as a legitimate bout even though it wasn't even close, and Bradley got more flak for a mismatch and a terrible fight, which he dominated with ease against the shot Cuban on November 12, in the main support slot of the Pacquiao vs Marquez III show.
(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Attention in the junior welterweight division at this point was largely on Khan. Many had jumped Khan over Bradley, calling him the world's top 140-pound fighter. Last night, that all came crashing down -- against a fighter Bradley had beaten soundly and clearly two years ago, nearly to the day.
Lamont Peterson upset Amir Khan, and the arguments were over. Without question, the world's best 140-pound fighter is Timothy Bradley.
While many felt as recently as yesterday afternoon that Khan would defeat Bradley should they ever meet, it's hard to imagine anyone seeing it that way right now. Crafty Bradley may be no superstar, but he is a smart fighter, pressures well, and does all the things that give Amir Khan issues. Who would pick Khan over Bradley right now?
Amir Khan losing to Lamont Peterson, in a way, erased some of the poor press that Bradley had both fairly and unfairly received in 2011. As the calendar nears turning over into a new year, Tim Bradley is the top dog at 140, and there's nothing more for him to prove at the weight, really.
It was Amir Khan talking about moving up, chasing the big fights. He said he didn't need Tim Bradley. Now, Khan is no longer on the Mayweather radar at all. Now, he needs to rematch and defeat Lamont Peterson before he takes a next step to anything. Timothy Bradley doesn't need Amir Khan. He's free to go any which way he chooses, without criticism of a failure to fight Amir Khan.
Boxing is a funny sport where the biggest beneficiary of a fight can be a man who wasn't in the ring. There are no more arguments at 140. Tim Bradley is the man. And Amir Khan no longer has the ability to brush off Timothy Bradley in conversation, because Bradley is now a clear-cut level above him, at least for the time being. As much as anything, that has to sting Khan's ego, because he truly believes Bradley ducked him, even going so far as to tell Bradley to "grow some balls" when the two passed by one another at the Pacquiao vs Marquez weigh-in.
So congratulations, Timothy Bradley. Your biggest overall win of 2011 came last night, thanks to Lamont Peterson. After a rough year in the press, it's always good to put one in the win column, no matter how it happens. May your biggest 2012 victories be more your own doing, and come inside a ring that has you fighting.
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But Bradley’s bet in leaving for more fertile grounds will now give him better negotiating power.
Khan failed to do what made Bradley a player and a champion in the first place; go into a contenders back yard and win. TB went to Witter’s home country and took his championship title and belts. Khan went with his belt to DC into Petrson’s backyard and did not do what he needed to do. Win.
I know it was close but even before the fight the wise old Bernard said that when you go into another man’s house…you should assume you are already two points behind. Bernard can be an ass sometimes but he is nobody’s fool.
"Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer"
---- Muhammed Ali
Khan failed to do what made Bradley a player and a champion in the first place; go into a contenders back yard and win. TB went to Witter’s home country and took his championship title and belts. Khan went with his belt to DC into Petrson’s backyard and did not do what he needed to do. Win.
I understand what you’re saying, but with all due respect, Khan went to NYC and beat Paulie, has fought the absolute best in the division possible, and made a concerted effort to get Tim Bradley in the ring. He’s really been enormously bold in pursuing the biggest fights in the States, away from potentially huge crowds in England (I was one of the fickle many who traveled half the country to see him fight in Newcastle) as a substitute for fighting in America. I mean, Amir could be making more money fighting at home, with far bigger crowds, as well as Sky, willing to pay for his fights. As such, I really think he deserves to be applauded insofar as his willingness to travel, fight, whatever, goes.
"Occasionally, there is a boxing match that, in its demonstration of skill, courage, intelligence, hope, seems to redeem the sport - almost. Perhaps boxing has always been a sport in crisis, a sport of crisis."
by Oli Goldstein on Dec 11, 2011 7:45 PM EST up reply actions
I really think he deserves to be applauded insofar as his willingness to travel, fight, whatever, goes.
Yea, I applaud him for that. And as a Bradley fan (sort of), Bradley pissed me off with his “smart business move” and I kind of hope it back-fires on him. It also makes me wish for a centrally controlled, UFC type of operation that could say to Bradley “fight Khan or GTFO”.
"While he may strike hard blows, he is not at liberty to strike foul ones." J. Sutherland.
Ditto. I’m sure Bradley will be all sorts of enthusiastic to get Khan in the ring now, though. As far as the central control goes, that’s sort of like picturing boxing heaven.
"Occasionally, there is a boxing match that, in its demonstration of skill, courage, intelligence, hope, seems to redeem the sport - almost. Perhaps boxing has always been a sport in crisis, a sport of crisis."
by Oli Goldstein on Dec 11, 2011 7:53 PM EST up reply actions
Boxing heaven where the name fighters take a paycut.
MMA fans recently had a freakout when learning that Michael Bisping made an absurd $425,000 for a fight.
Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."
by Scott Christ on Dec 11, 2011 8:01 PM EST up reply actions
Really?! That’s one of the most ludicrous things I’ve ever heard. What would they do if they found out Floyd makes TEN times that amount per fight?
"Occasionally, there is a boxing match that, in its demonstration of skill, courage, intelligence, hope, seems to redeem the sport - almost. Perhaps boxing has always been a sport in crisis, a sport of crisis."
by Oli Goldstein on Dec 11, 2011 8:14 PM EST up reply actions
Sooner or later UFC fighters are going to start hiring real managers and real agents in larger numbers who are going to ask why their guys are underpaid. It’s not perfect over there. I understand why UFC does what they do, and it largely works, but to transfer that to boxing … it’s just not going to happen. Why would Timothy Bradley start taking $150,000 per fight when he’s been fed $1 million a couple times and won?
Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."
by Scott Christ on Dec 11, 2011 8:40 PM EST up reply actions
Why would Timothy Bradley start taking $150,000 per fight when he’s been fed $1 million a couple times and won?
Absolutely, and you can’t blame the guy. But that ideal of a UFC-type operation – where the guys get paid fairly too – is always going to exist. It’s also always going to be an ideal, too.
"Occasionally, there is a boxing match that, in its demonstration of skill, courage, intelligence, hope, seems to redeem the sport - almost. Perhaps boxing has always been a sport in crisis, a sport of crisis."
by Oli Goldstein on Dec 11, 2011 8:42 PM EST up reply actions
Sooner or later UFC fighters are going to start hiring real managers and real agents in larger numbers who are going to ask why their guys are underpaid
I doubt this will happen. Several guys have tried and it hasn’t worked out well. I think it’s more likely that pay per fight goes up, for the top guys. But for someone to break away and make it profitable, he’ll have to be huge, because the UFC controls pretty much all the legit fights who a top breakaway can compete against.
"While he may strike hard blows, he is not at liberty to strike foul ones." J. Sutherland.
They don' operate under the same laws of boxing
Literally.
The UFC is not guided by the McCain sponsored Muhamed Ali Federal legislation which give boxers and Boxing … and no other athlete class ….special coverage; coverage designed to protect the boxer but serves, in this case, to deter/prevent a UFC type organization from making them fight who they demand.
Or even who the fans demand
"Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer"
---- Muhammed Ali
Yea, I know that’s a major hindrance. And Sen. McCain has his heart in the right place on that one.
"While he may strike hard blows, he is not at liberty to strike foul ones." J. Sutherland.
Yes he did
But laws often have a strange way of impacting those for whom it was drafted, no?
"Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer"
---- Muhammed Ali
Exactly, Scott
Fans are confused when they wish that Boxers suddenly grasp the reins from their management/promotionion/commission and take charge of the own affairs….or celebrate their doing so…and then want central control like the UFC to dictate their destinies.
"Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer"
---- Muhammed Ali
Boxing heaven where the name fighters take a paycut.
Here’s the thing, and this is as much of a personal social perspective as anything: what if the top dogs did take a pay cut? – would that be a bad thing? What if it meant even slightly more money went towards developing fighters.
None of this is realistically feasible – but I’d still like to see it.
"While he may strike hard blows, he is not at liberty to strike foul ones." J. Sutherland.
You had me at....
None of this is realistically feasible
"Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer"
---- Muhammed Ali
I don’t want to see guys take less money, no. I do know what you mean and wish there was some way it was reality.
Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."
by Scott Christ on Dec 12, 2011 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
For iCollins....
You mean where the althletes are not in charge of the crazy house?
"Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer"
---- Muhammed Ali
Yea, pretty much. Do you want Ray Lewis running the NFL?
I want the best to fight the best. I think there’s a better way to do that than our archaic model. What’s happened in the UFC is one organization, essentially a promoter, has seized control of the whole operation, in part through ruthless negotiating tactics.
As an example, a couple years ago UFC contender Jon Fitch complained about having his likeness used in a video game without much (or any, I’m not sure) compensation. Dana basically told him he’d play by UFC rules or he was out, and good luck in the minor leagues in Japan. Fitch got back in line quickly.
Now, I’m saying this as someone who’s just right of a social communist; however, I want to see the best fight the best, that’s my bottom line here.
"While he may strike hard blows, he is not at liberty to strike foul ones." J. Sutherland.
I want the best to fight the best as well
But you’re the attorney, I believe. You better than me should understand the implications/ramifications of the legistlation that guides Boxing and not the UFC.
BTW, Can you imagine negotiating with Floyd?
"Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer"
---- Muhammed Ali
Apples and Oranges
Although I do give Khan credit for doing so, beating Malignaggi anywhere, even in NY, is not a unique achievement at his weight. Not even close. He had already been beaten badly at his weight by Cotto years earlier and then Hatton more recently.
Khan IMO was matched because Paulie couldn’t hurt him and he held a belt.
Witter, at that time, had a SD loss to Zab Judah, and held his title. Bradley had to go into his house and take it…or forgetabout it. And take it he did.
I don’t know about Khan staying at home after his KO loss was a good or bad decision for his business but I assume he felt leaving was the better choice. I can say that having him, the Aside fighter, fighting in DC was prett stupid; not something Oscar would evr have let happen to him.
Could you imagine Oscar going to Norfolk VA to fight Pernell Whitaker?
But the fact is he went into DC…and he did not win. That is now the fact that he has to confront.
"Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer"
---- Muhammed Ali
good article
This is exactly what I was thinking last night.
Boxing writer: "Iran, what are you going to do when you retire?"
Iran Barkley: "Rob your house"
Great great article Scott
"Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer"
---- Muhammed Ali
I know it's not gonna happen but
I wish we could get Bradley-Marquez.
A ref who can take control of a fight without affecting the outcome would be needed. If Bradley’s head isn’t a factor I think Marquez beats Bradley in a shoot-out. Bradley style is made for Marquez
All of it. Gimmie, gimmie, gimmie. I want it all.
by Eugene Banks on Dec 11, 2011 3:17 PM EST up reply actions
You may be right
but still wish I could see it.
by geraldmcgrew on Dec 11, 2011 3:36 PM EST up reply actions
Bradley has nothing for Marquez
He’s doesn’t punch hard enough to keep Marquez honest, he’s not fast or long enough to overwhelm Marquez, and he’s not a good enough boxer to outbox Marquez.
Bradley is a classic ‘good at everything, great at nothing except heart/effort/conditioning’ guy. He’s a B+/A- fighter, and Marquez is an A/A+.
by Verklemptomaniac on Dec 11, 2011 4:48 PM EST up reply actions
I hope JMM hears you
You give him good reasons to take this “easy” fight.
by geraldmcgrew on Dec 11, 2011 7:58 PM EST up reply actions
hmnn.. but khan’s height could be a factor.. that is khan may just hit and run which he do good..
"Effort without Efficiency is nonsense.." -rk mag
Actually, this is re: Bradley
who I seriously doubt brings enough money to interest JMM (Manny for him or bust).
by geraldmcgrew on Dec 11, 2011 8:15 PM EST up reply actions
No Bradley for JMM
Manny Money or Bust for the time being at least.
"Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer"
---- Muhammed Ali
Marquez would eat Bradley alive.
Just slaughter him.
There is no safety in numbers, or in anything else--James Thurber, 1939
I actually don’t subscribe to the theory as posited here. Often in boxing it seems like boxers just avoid a person and wait for them to lose. A prime example is Paul Williams IMO. If he gets avoided long enough — then eventually he loses and you can say “ah he wasn’t that good to begin with blah blah”
Not saying Bradley wouldn’t beat Khan—but it still is a close fight IMO and not a guaranteed Bradley victory.
Bradley gets into scraps and brawls almost every time…but he finds a way to win. Khan starts strong and then finds a way to hold his lead; the result being mixed.
With Maidana, he won the shootout, withstood the fire, and made it to the end. Not last night.
Bit I do agree…one fight does not necesssarily equate to fighter A beating fighter
They still have to fight.
But Khan has a lot of work to do before he can call himself the best in his division.
Bradley already was.
"Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer"
---- Muhammed Ali
by pakinpower on Dec 11, 2011 3:53 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I agree. I think too much is being made of the effect of last night on anyone’s prospects. Khan has some obvious work to do (on his attitude and self-regard almost as much as on his technical limitations; Peterson was very, very good, especially in the second half, although that’s as much because of Khan’s mishandling of him as it is of Peterson.
I don’t see Bradley reaping all that much benefit from this. He has to turn in a good showing for himself.
I agree. Bradley just has such a big edge in ring IQ. It’s not even close. He also has no problem with pressure. He can box with a guy or brawl at close quarters.
We know for sure now that Khan really can’t handle pressure at all. He looks brilliant against guys who don’t pressure and box at range, but when anyone really goes after him he looks silly. At times he picks his spots, but too often he starts almost literally running away. If he doesn’t learn how to consistently pick his spots and slip punches and counter more effectively he’ll never be able be the elite fighter so many of us hoped he would become.
but let’s give Khan some credit too. He’s been keeping as tough a schedule as anyone in boxing his last 5 fights. His fights are also almost always entertaining. He might be a bit of a moron and a loudmouth, but we need more guys with his mentality and spirit. It’s really aggravating to hear guys talk about him ducking so and so, and denying Paul McCloskey (!!!) a much deserved rematch LOL
Totally agree. Khan really does his best to live up to the shit he spews and actually fights whoever’s put in front of him. He went after Bradley and was positive about going after Floyd. The guy’s got some glaring technical faults, but what he doesn’t lack for is a huge heart.
"Occasionally, there is a boxing match that, in its demonstration of skill, courage, intelligence, hope, seems to redeem the sport - almost. Perhaps boxing has always been a sport in crisis, a sport of crisis."
by Oli Goldstein on Dec 11, 2011 7:37 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t mean this to be anti-Khan, but I don’t think it’s heart alone that he has. It comes down to three things:
1. Massive ego
2. Chip on his shoulder
3. Heart
IMO in that order. Many great fighters have combined these three things over the years.
Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."
by Scott Christ on Dec 11, 2011 8:03 PM EST up reply actions
Yep, fair enough.
I think they’re all inter-changeable, to be honest. The chip on the shoulder is abundantly clear at all times – in the ring, out the ring, wherever. He’s obsessed with proving that he can take a punch and actually fight. Of course, you’ve got to have one heck of a heart to actually take the punishment and keep fighting, and a ridiculous ego to tell everyone what a wonderful chin you’ve got and then set about showing it off.
"Occasionally, there is a boxing match that, in its demonstration of skill, courage, intelligence, hope, seems to redeem the sport - almost. Perhaps boxing has always been a sport in crisis, a sport of crisis."
by Oli Goldstein on Dec 11, 2011 8:13 PM EST up reply actions
While I agree last night was good for Bradley’s reputation, I’m not sure it’s the best for his pocketbook. He may have some measure of negotiating power for any potential Khan fight, but the overall interest in that fight has probably taken a hit as well. No longer would it be a clash of the clear top two guys in the division, and Khan’s seemingly inevitable march toward superstardom in the States has obviously been derailed as well. And given the fact that first Marquez and now Cotto may have jumped him in line as non-Mayweather Pacquiao opponents, Bradley might be stuck without the really big fight he wants for at least another year.
That is the beauty of boxing
Shit Happens.
Try though they will…and always have….to control and manage a clear career path, fighters have to fight…and when they do the best laid plans are often derailed.
Bradley needs to look good when given the chance. And win. He needs to be entertaining to command big big bucks; something IMO he has not yet achieved despite his hard work, etc. He can be sold much better than he had been, no doubt, but he is not going to be handed our love and money without some further show of greatness.
Khan and GB made a (temporarily I hope) fateful decision by going into a small market city that happened to be Peterson’s back yard. The gambled and lost, not soely because AK didnt do his job completely but because the ‘home court’ disadvantage worked like it usually/ofetn does. Against him.
Khan will be given multiple opportunities as he is an immensely talenteda nd marketable fighter. But he may very well have been deterred from his much expected path to the tippy top.
"Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer"
---- Muhammed Ali
‘home court’ disadvantage.....LOL!!!
More excuses from the Khan-ites.
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