Lamont Peterson signs with Golden Boy, tickets for Holt fight on sale today

Lamont Peterson has signed a deal with Golden Boy Promotions, with Oscar De La Hoya saying in a press release that he's "delighted" to have the current IBF junior welterweight titlist join their team. Peterson has fought on Golden Boy cards in the recent past, drawing with Victor Ortiz and beating Amir Khan in December 2011, the last time Peterson fought.

"I’m excited to sign with Golden Boy Promotions and the opportunity to work with them again," Peterson said in the release. "Being with Golden Boy really gives me the opportunity to make the best fights in my division. I want to fight the best in the world at 140, and I know that can happen as a member of Golden Boy. I'm optimistic, because this is a decision that will help further my career."

Peterson (30-1-1, 15 KO) has had an extended absence from the ring following a failed VADA test and an admission that he used synthetic testosterone prior to fighting Khan. The 29-year-old fighter will face Kendall Holt on the February 22 edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights, defending his title belt, and tickets for that fight are now on sale, priced $25-250. The bout will be held at the DC Armory. Golden Boy will not be promoting that bout, however.

On the surface, this is a good call by Peterson. To matter in today's game, generally speaking, you have to be in with either Golden Boy or Top Rank, and as Timothy Bradley is unfortunately discovering at the moment, GBP kind of owns the 140-147 divisions in the States.