Danny Garcia vs. Lamont Peterson

Barclay's Center, Brooklyn, New York, April 11

TV: NBC

By Peter Lim

Between the two of them, Danny Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) and Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KOs) hold three 140-pound titles, but none are on the line since they're fighting at a catch weight three pounds above the junior welterweight limit. It appears that they are using each other to test the waters and break into the lucrative welterweight division. But it nevertheless remains a highly intriguing bout provided both fighters come in as prepared and focused as they would be if their belts were at stake.

Garcia wins this showdown on account of his sturdier chin and better punching power. The fight will be evenly contested mostly at center ring with Garcia landing the harder shots and Peterson connecting at a slightly higher volume. But Peterson has tasted the canvass on numerous occasions before and Garcia will score a flash knockdown or two along the way, tipping the scores in his favor when all is said and done.

Afterthoughts:
Kudos to Steve Farhood for maintaining an objective perspective on the fight while his co-analysts Ray Leonard and Marv Albert were so blatantly biased towards Peterson.