NEW YORK — Lamont Peterson bristled last week when asked what his approach would be as an overwhelming underdog heading into his next fight. The District boxer didn’t consider himself as such, he said defiantly, despite oddsmakers heavily favoring youthful champion Errol Spence Jr. in their welterweight title bout Saturday night at Barclays Center.
But reality and age caught up with Peterson as Spence administered a thorough beating through seven rounds. By the start of Round 8, Barry Hunter, Peterson’s trainer, had seen enough, stopping the fight with Peterson’s right eye barely open and his face showing the damage resulting from ferocious blows from the International Boxing Federation titleholder.
Peterson (35-4-1, 17 knockouts) lost for second time in his past four fights, leaving his future in doubt ahead of his 34th birthday later this month. Spence, 28, continued his rapid ascent in the sport’s most competitive weight class and remained undefeated at 23-0 with 20 KOs.
“He was getting his shots off,” Peterson said during an in-ring interview. “He was a better man tonight.”
The proceedings tilted significantly toward Spence in the fifth round, when a left hook caught Peterson flush, bringing the crowd of 12,107 to its feel. Peterson stumbled, then tumbled to the canvas while trying to brace his fall with both gloves. Peterson was examined after the round and permitted to answer the bell for Round 6.
But the punishment continued for two more rounds and, after consulting with Peterson’s corner and the attending doctor, referee Harvey Dock signaled for the stoppage.