BraggingRightsCorner.com - PETERSON MAKES SHORT WORK OF SOTO ... by Oleg Bershadsky

While many professional boxers stay in good shape most of the time there still exists a big difference between being in shape and being in fighting shape. That is why with few exceptions most “last minute” replacements wind up losing the fight. This underscores the importance of having a real training camp and why the preparation prior to the fight is what really matters.

Soto took the fight against Anthony Peterson on short notice which appeared to make a huge difference, if not in the outcome then at least in the competitiveness of the fight. From the onset Soto looked a step slower as he continuously got beat to the punch. Peterson came out using the jab while not forgetting to go to the body of Soto. His body work paid dividends almost immediately, as Peterson was able to knock Soto down with a right hook to the rib cage at the end of round one.

Peterson came out round 2 brimming with confidence after the knockdown in the previous round. He bullied Soto around the ring, landing the cleaner shots, while mixing up his attack to the head and the body. The cleaner more effective punching of Peterson made all the difference as he managed to land a crushing left hook to the head of Soto at the end of round 2. Soto managed to beat the count, but the referee chose to stop the fight at this juncture giving Peterson a knockout victory at 2min 51sec of round 2.

It appeared that Soto just didn’t have enough time to prepare for this fight properly, especially while facing a dangerous prospect like Anthony Peterson. Peterson did what he was supposed to do and simply annihilated his poorly conditioned and prepared opponent. He also showed a wide array of punches and solid punching power. Overall Peterson looks like the real deal, but to further solidify his standing among the top lightweight he needs to face tougher opposition.

8-4-2006