Lamont Peterson showed once again why he is considered one of the best light welterweight fighters in the world, defeating Kendall Holt by way of TKO in the eighth round.
The win was huge for Peterson, as it marked his return to the ring after 14 months of inactivity due to a positive drug test. Holt was no joke as an opponent and was able to put some damage on Peterson before "Havoc" put things together in the middle rounds.
Once Peterson got back in rhythm, he was back to his usual self, putting Holt away with a flurry of punches that signaled the official return of the IBF titleholder.
With Peterson now ready to keep a busy schedule in the ring once again, the question shifts to who he will take on next. Here are some enticing options for the Golden Boy fighter.
Lucas Matthysse
Matthysse is also promoted by Golden Boy and is one of the fastest-rising names in the division.
He also happens to be one of the few serious contenders in the 140-pound scene who isn't already tied up with a set opponent on the horizon. Matthysse is the current interim WBC title holder and is on a five-bout win streak, with all of those wins coming by knockout.
Matthysse would be a dangerous opponent for Peterson, but the winner would be in a great position to take on a big-money fight.
Amir Khan
Khan is another 140-pounder waiting on an opponent who would make a lot of sense for Peterson.
The two squared off in December 2011 in what was a highly contested and controversial bout that saw Peterson take home a split-decision victory. The rematch was close to happening before Peterson was suspended for his failed drug test.
Now that both Peterson and Khan are back in the ring and winning fights, it could be time for these two to settle their unfinished business. The first fight was razor thin, and the winner would have a strong case to take on champion Danny Garcia.
Danny Garcia
Everyone wants a shot at Garcia, the current kingpin of the 140-pound division, and Peterson is no exception.
According to Dan Rafael of ESPN, Peterson is already calling out Garcia: "I would like to fight Danny Garcia... I hope my promoter can make it happen. I still think I am the WBA champ, and I want to get the fight to make it happen to show who the real champion is."
Garcia is already tied up in an April 27 bout with veteran Zab Judah, but Peterson definitely put himself in a good position to get his fight with Garcia by knocking out Holt. He's more likely to get the fight he wants by defeating either Khan or Matthysse, but the wait-and-see approach is certainly an option.
Regardless of who he takes on next, it's clear that Peterson has kept his name on the list of elite light welterweights in the sport.
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