Jeffrey Freeman, www.KODigest.TV

Lamont Peterson TKO 10 Lucas Matthysse: You can tell a lot about a boxer who’s eager to fight the best to prove that he is the best. IBF junior welterweight title holder Lamont Peterson could’ve probably played it safe and tried for an easier path to a unification showdown against RING WBC and WBA world champion Danny Garcia.

Instead he decided to gamble his health and future prospects against power punching Lucas Matthysse, a “machine” considered by many to operate too far on the risky side of the risk/reward ratio. In taking on Matthysse at 141 pounds with no alphabet titles at stake, Peterson put the boxing world on notice that he’s willing to call his own shot at becoming the best in the division by facing the fighter regarded as top dog by fans and media alike.

Why roll the dice? Because in Peterson’s own words, belts don’t matter as much as proving himself to be the best in his weight class. It’s a bold and refreshing outlook but is Peterson biting off more than he can chew? Matthysse is every bit as dangerous as advertised and he’s looking to make a pound for pound statement of his own.

Peterson will need to start cautiously and he may have to get off the canvas early but by the middle rounds of this dogfight, he’ll be chewing Matthysse up with a ferocious attack to the head and body. Some time around the 10th, Peterson will catch Matthysse coming in and he’ll wreak havoc on his wounded opponent to bring about a well earned referee stoppage.

Record: 5-5 [Mayweather TKO Guerrero]

Tom Gray, RingTV.com

Lamont Peterson W12 Lucas Matthysse: I like Lamont Peterson in this fight because I think an adept technician defeats Lucas Matthysse. As exciting as the Argentinian power puncher is he can be out boxed and Peterson has the skills to cause him trouble.

That said the approach must be layered and only smart tactics can secure victory against such a fearsome opponent. Peterson must control the action on the outside and smother the hard hitter when Matthysse gets up close and personal — mixing it up will keep the former world title challenger guessing.

If the tactics fail momentarily then Peterson is extremely tough, well-conditioned and, as proven, has the desire to fight back when hurt.  I see Matthysse finding Peterson at times, but he won’t cause enough damage to prevent him from going the distance and claiming the decision.

The controversy which has plagued Peterson’s recent career has been awful, but he can still fight and I personally feel his talents are superior.

Record: 1-0 [Mayweather W 12 Guerrero]

Lee Groves, RingTV.com

Lucas Matthysse TKO 10 Lamont Peterson: This is as good a pairing as the 140-pound division can conjure, and it’s too bad that Lamont Peterson’s belt isn’t going to be on the line. I guess we can’t have everything, right? Peterson was once known as a supreme volume puncher who emphasized a withering body attack, but over the past several years he has moderated his game.

He’s become a more accurate puncher in all phases of his game, and all of the changes he made came together in his last fight against Kendall Holt, which was arguably the best outing of his career. If Peterson wants to make his mark against Lucas Matthysse, however, he’ll have to do it early.

Because once the notoriously slow-starting Argentine gets rolling he’s almost impossible to stop. When he finds his rhythm, Matthysse is more than capable of cranking up enough volume, and he’s the far superior puncher. That power, combined with his strength advantage and ambition will be enough to get the TKO victory

Record: 6-4 [Mayweather UD 12 Guerrero]

Rich Marotta, KFI Radio, Los Angeles

Lucas Matthysse TKO 10 Lamont Peterson: This one is really a tough call, and its actually easy to visualize a path to victory for either guy. The easiest prediction to make about the fight is that it will be action-packed and fit right in with the 2013 string of terrific high level bouts.

In sizing up the two, I think Lamont Peterson has the better overall skill set, but Lucas Matthysse has that relentless pressure and heavy hands to go with it. Peterson loves to fire, but he’ll try to use some boxing in this one as well.

I’m looking for a battle of attrition in which each man will have significant moments. However, I think that Matthysse’s unyielding pressure will eventually wear down and break Peterson. Lucas is on a roll and it will continue when the ref stops the fight and awards him a TKO victory.

Record: 6-4 [Mayweather W 12 Guerrero]

Jack Obermayer, Fight Fax Inc.

Lamont Peterson KO 9 Lucas Matthysse: While Lucas Matthysse is one tough customer, I feel that Lamont Peterson’s overall abilities will trump Matthysse’s aggression, and when all is said and done, Peterson will pick him apart and stop him. Peterson by stoppage in round 9.

Record: 3-4 [Last pick: Judah W 12 Garcia]

Mark Ortega, RingTV.com

Lucas Matthysse KO 6 Lamont Peterson: Lamont Peterson has gotten off to rough starts in many of his recent fights. Against Lucas Matthysse, that won’t be any different.

Expect Matthysse to have Peterson on the canvas early and put the finishing touches on him by no later than the sixth round. Matthysse may be one of the sport’s best finishers, a title he’ll earn by stopping the durable Peterson.

Record: 1-0 [Mayweather UD 12 Guerrero]

Harry Pratt, RingTV.com

Lucas Matthysse SD 12 Lamont Peterson: Argentine Lucas Matthysse says he does not care about fighting away from home. He should though, given his only two losses were split decisions in the United States.

Meanwhile, Lamont Peterson says he is ready to be hit hard. Good move, for the IBF junior welterweight titleholder will need to be at his most resilient to survive Matthysse’s promised from-the-off onslaught.

However, while I reckon Peterson will survive, I am not convinced he is going to thrive in latter stages – as he did, for example, when toppling Amir Khan. And this time he is not in his own Washington backyard. Hence, it’s a split decision for Matthysse.

Record: 3-2 [Mayweather KO 11 Guerrero]

Matt Richardson, Fightnews.com

Lamont Peterson W 12 Lucas Matthysse: This fight can obviously go any sort of way. I just believe that Lamont Peterson is a more complete fighter than Lucas Matthysse, and I expect it to show in this fight.

Peterson has more elements to his game, and has shown that against a consistent level of quality opposition, unlike his opponent. Would it totally shock me if the hard-punching Matthysse caught and knocked Peterson out?

Not at all. However, I think Peterson will fight a smart fight and stay out of the way of Matthysse’s equalizer long enough to win a decision. Peterson by decision.

Record: 6-4 [Mayweather UD 12 Guerrero]