Manny Pacquiao to go toe-to-toe with Lamont Peterson in 2012?

Manny Pacquiao's advisor Michael Knocz has admitted newly crowned IBF/WBA junior welterweight champion Lamont Peterson is a viable option as the pound-for-pound king's next opponent.

Peterson's stock has risen considerably after his victory, albeit in controversial fashion, over Pacquiao's stable mate Amir Khan in Washington on December 10 and the noises coming out of both camps suggest a fight in the new year is a real possibility.

Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach was the first raise the subject when he labelled the 27-year-old "a great opponent" for his fighter while his counterpart in the opposite corner, Barry Hunter, said that Peterson would rise in weight to face Pacquiao "if the opportunity is there."

And now Koncz has added further weight to the prospect of a Pacquiao vs. Peterson bout in 2012 by confirming Peterson (30-1-1, 15 knockouts) will be among the candidates discussed with Top Rank Inc. CEO Bob Arum as a potential opponent for Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KOs).

Other options on the table for Pacquiao is sure to include a fourth bout with the Juan Manuel Marquez following his controversial split decision win over the Mexican in November and WBO junior welterweight champion Tim Bradley, who inflicted Peterson's only loss in 2009.

"I'm aware of the options that we have, and then, also, Lamont Peterson is another option also," said Koncz earlier this week. "We've had some preliminary discussions, but we've not sat down, Manny and I, to discuss that in depth.

"I came back because Manny has instructed me to do something here in regard to future opponents, and I'll do that this coming week, so we'll see. I have to meet with Bob on some other issues too."

Source:  www.sport360.com/article/manny-pacquiao-go-toe-toe-lamont-peterson-2012

Peterson now included in Pacquiao’s shortlist

MANILA, Philippines – Newly crowned junior welterweight champion Lamont Peterson is now included in Manny Pacquiao’s short list of possible opponents.

Pacquiao’s adviser, Michael Koncz, said in RingTV.com that he will bring up Peterson when he meets with Top Rank Inc.’s Bob Arum.

"I've had a brief discussion with Manny, and I've mentioned all of those names to him, including Lamont Peterson. Lamont Peterson is a champion now, so he's just another option," said Koncz.

Peterson, who defeated Pacquiao’s training partner Amir Khan for the IBF and WBA junior welterweight titles, has joined Juan Manuel Marquez, Miguel Cotto and Timothy Bradley in Pacquiao’s list of potential foes in 2012.

Peterson’s name was first mentioned by Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, after the fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. got scuttled.

"We'll continue to talk about him and the other options if Floyd's out of the picture. Lamont Peterson's just a name that's been thrown out there, and Manny and I will consider him as another possibility," said Koncz.

Peterson stands at 5'9", nearly 4 inches taller than Pacquiao. He entered the ring against the 5'10" Khan weighing 155 pounds.

Pacquiao was eyeing to fight Mayweather in the early part of 2012.

But Mayweather will have to serve a 90-day jail sentence after pleading guilty to beating up his former girlfriend, Josie Harris, prompting Pacquiao to shop for other opponents.