STARS COME OUT TO SEE PETERSONS
Posted on | May 30, 2007 | 1 Comment
Brothers Make Successful Hometown Debut in Front of Star-Studded, Near-Capacity Crowd at D.C. Armory May 25th
Washington, D.C. (May 30, 2007) – They say stars bring out stars. Anthony and Lamont Peterson, fast-tracking their way to boxing stardom, did just that Friday night when they both made their successful hometown debuts in front of more than 3,500 fans and a host of celebrities including boxing’s biggest star Floyd Mayweather, and NBA Star and PMG Boxing President Steve Francis, the promoter of the event. They joined ringside by District of Columbia Mayor Adrian Fenty, CNN anchorman Wolf Blitzer, D. C. Council members Vincent Gray, Kwame Brown and Harry Thomas Jr., NFL All-Pro running back Brian Westbrook, NBA All-Star Caron Butler, former world champions Mark Johnson, Keith Holmes and Sharmba Mitchell and well-known District columnist Harry Jaffe. The highlight of the evening was the presence of more than 100 military men and women—along with their family members—from Walter Reed Hospital in Northwest, Washington, who were guests of the promoter.
In addition, more than 40 media members graced press row with a strong presence from national and local media outlets including USA Today, espn.com, The Washington Post, The Washington Times and a host of local television, radio and web-based boxing outlets.
Mayweather, in DC for a host of Memorial Day weekend events, received a proclamation from the Mayor during an in-ring ceremony, and watched closely as the brothers performed in co-main events for the ESPN2 Friday Night broadcast. “I have heard a lot about them and wanted to see for myself what all the hype was about,” said Mayweather. “I was extremely impressed by their true boxing skills. I see them having very successful future careers in the sport.”
Francis, who is an integral part of bringing boxing back to the District of Columbia, and hopes to return with an even bigger boxing event in the fall, was reflective on the overall turnout for the event. “I am extremely pleased with the attendance and support the celebrity community gave to this event,” said Francis. “It a good indication that boxing is alive and well in the area and more events are possible. It also helps to have future stars driving the local interest for a sport that has such a rich history in D.C.”
The Petersons plan is to step up their competition and compete at championship levels. Anthony, ranked #1 in the WBO, is seeking his mandatory championship challenge bout and with Lamont also seeking a top contender challenge. “Our goal is to be great champions and we are now almost there,” said Anthony. “Anything less would be unacceptable.”