ShoBox – The Next Generation, promoted by Prize Fight Promotions, kicked off 2008 with a bang at The Hard Rock Cafe, in Biloxi, Mississippi. Brothers Anthony and Lamont Peterson both showed they are smoothly handling the transition from prospects to contenders.
Antony Peterson KO8 Jose Antonio Izquierdo...In Biloxi, Mississippi, lighweight Anthony Peterson (26-0 with 19 KOs) squared off against a gritty opponent in Jose Antonio Izquierdo (16-2 with 13 KOs). Izquierdo came out in the early rounds with the intention of taking Peterson out of his game. It was a rough, inside, grab-fest for the first couple of rounds, but once Peterson established some space, was able to dominate the action. Peterson had Izquierdo down in the sevemth, and twice in the eighth, ultimately getting the eighth round knockout.  It doesn't seem long now that Anthony Peterson will be ready for a world title shot.
Lamont Peterson W10 Antonio Mesquita... Junior welterweight Lamont Peterson (24-0 with 11 KOs) faced off against Antonio Mesquita (34-1 with 26 KOs). Lamont fought a very smart, fundamental fight, and was able to neutralize Mesquita's power. It was a strategic fight and credit Peterson coach, Barry Hunter for bringing in a winning game plan. Lamont, with the much faster hand speed was able take control of the fight, and cruise to a unanimous decision by official scores of 98-93, 99-90 and 100-89.
UNDERCARD
Joseph Smith TKO3 Martin Verdin... Light heavyweight Joseph Smith (5-2-1) defeated Martin Verdin (14-13-1) for the second time in a month- the first time it was a six-round decision, this time ot was a technical knockout at 1:07 of round three.
Curtis Smith KO5 Gary Bergeron... Local favorite Gary Bergeron got more than he asked for in Curtis Smith (6-3). The junior welterweight Bergeron spent most of the fight trying to land a knockout punch, and in doing so, he was the recipient of Smith's jab, and counter punching. Bergeron (7-2) walked his opponent down throughout the fight, but rarely let his hands go. Smith was able to get Bergeron out of there at 1:50 of the fifth round by knockout.
Will McIntyre W6 Mathew Charleston ... In a rather methodical bout, Will McIntyre controlled the pace and was more talented than Matthew Charleston. Now the loser of six straight, CHarleston is an 18-year pro who, despite being tall and rangy, never really fought tall. He paid the price for it. McIntyre was able to get inside and outwork Charleston to win a decision by scores of 60-54, 59-55 and 60/55.
