The undefeated IBF world welterweight champion, Errol Spence Jr (22-0) will make the first defence of his world title against former 2-weight world champ, Lamont Peterson. The event will be aired on PBC on FOX in America and will furthermore take place at the Barclays Center in New York City.
“I’m pleased to be promoting Spence vs. Peterson, one of the very best matchups in the welterweight division and in all of boxing,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment and promoter of the upcoming showdown.
DiBella said “Spence is not only one of the best welterweights in the world, but one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in boxing. In Peterson, he faces another elite welterweight and a two-time world champion.
Spence vs. Peterson will bring the heat to Barclays Center on a chilly January 20. This is yet another night in the outstanding run of big-time fights on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.”
“Spence vs. Peterson is an intriguing matchup between two elite welterweights looking to reach the top of this marquee division,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions.
“Errol Spence is a rising star with his sights set on title unification and the top of the pound-for-pound list, but he’s going to receive a stern test from Lamont Peterson, a multiple division champion, whose resume is filled with top class opponents.
Brown added “It’s going to be another fantastic atmosphere at Barclays Center and a great night of fights live on SHOWTIME.”
“With his breakout performance against Kell Brook, Errol Spence established himself as one of (the) top fighters in the welterweight division, if not in all of boxing,” said Stephen Espinoza. Espinoza is the Executive Vice President and General Manager at SHOWTIME Sports.
“Never one to rest on his laurels, Errol continues to seek out the toughest available opponents, and he has found exactly that in Lamont Peterson.”
“Lamont has never backed down from a challenge, and as a result, he has a wealth of experience with one of the strongest resumes in the division.”
This type of high profile, (the) dangerous matchup is the quintessential SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event,” Espinoza concluded.
“BROOKLYN BOXING enjoyed a banner year in 2017, and we are looking forward to carrying that momentum into 2018,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment.
“Spence vs. Peterson sets a strong precedent for the year, with two top welterweights returning to the ring at Barclays Center to compete for recognition in one of the sport’s most talented divisions,” Yomark added.
#StrapSeason continues Jan 20….. #MANDOWNpic.twitter.com/LWvoSrfwUU
— Errol Spence (@ErrolSpenceJr) November 21, 2017
“My goal is to unify the welterweight division in 2018, but this fight is a true test and Lamont Peterson is a veteran that I definitely will not overlook,” said Spence.
“I sparred him in the amateurs and I know what he brings to the table.”
“I have to get through him to achieve my goals and that is what I plan on doing January 20th,” the IBF welterweight world title holder remarked.
“First off, I’m happy to be getting back in the ring,” said the man who will challenge for his 2nd world welterweight championship on January 20th, Lamont Peterson.
“I’ve stayed in the gym and I’m ready to go. This is a fight I wanted and as I said before when I became a welterweight, I want to fight the best and make the fights that people want to see. I’m ready to give it my all and give the fans a great show.”
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