Preview: Premier Boxing Champions ‘Garcia vs. Peterson’ on NBC

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Catch-weight

Danny Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) vs. Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KOs)

Al Haymon’s “Premier Boxing Champions” returns to NBC on Saturday with an interesting matchup between Danny Garcia and Lamont Peterson atop the bill at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The bout could have provided even more intrigue had it been contested at 140 pounds, where multiple titles would have been at stake. Instead, Garcia and Peterson will square off at a 143-pound catch-weight, perhaps an acknowledgement that it is becoming increasingly difficult for Garcia to make the light welterweight limit. Eventually, a potentially lucrative move to 147 pounds could be in the offing for Garcia.

Nonetheless, both boxers have a golden opportunity at hand: After a disappointing 2014, Garcia can re-establish himself as one of the sport’s most promising talents in front of a national television audience, while Peterson will look to continue to right his ship after a potentially career derailing defeat to Lucas Matthysse in May 2013.

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The Matchup: Garcia’s stock was never higher following a unanimous decision triumph over Matthysse on Sept. 14, 2013. “Swift” entered the bout as an underdog, but he consistently outboxed Matthysse and damaged his opponent’s eye en route to earning the nod from the ringside judges. That victory capped off a stretch in which Garcia earned seven straight victories over current or former champions.

His momentum slowed considerably last year. Despite winning fights against Mauricio Herrera and Rod Salka, Garcia had the look of an athlete who had peaked. He eked out a controversial majority decision against the unheralded Herrera, a fight in which his foe caused him all kinds of problems by coming forward, attacking from odd angles and avoiding critical mistakes. With a chance to get back on track, Garcia instead took a bout against the uninspiring Salka and predictably won easily in a non-title, catch-weight affair.

Garcia is only 27 years old and already has notable wins over Matthysse, Amir Khan, Zab Judah, Kendall Holt and Erik Morales, so it would seem unlikely that his best days are behind him. Perhaps a more high-profile bout is exactly what he needs to regain momentum.

If common opponents say anything about the current matchup, then Peterson could be in a world of trouble. Peterson was knocked down three times and suffered a brutal third-round stoppage loss to Matthysse, the type of setback that can sometimes alter the course of a fighter’s career. Peterson has rebounded since then, posting solid triumphs over Edgar Santana and Dierry Jean in his last two appearances.

Peterson does not possess big-time power, but against Matthysse he was baited into his opponent’s type of fight, which ultimately led to his demise. At his best, Peterson is a technical boxer with veteran skills and big-fight experience. Brawling will only hurt his cause against yet another adversary who hits harder than he does.

Garcia is sometimes overlooked because, while he does most everything well, he doesn’t truly excel in any one area -- his extremely durable chin being the lone exception. However, knowing how to win fights is an art, and Garcia’s in-ring intelligence backed by solid game planning has been a tried-and-true combination.

The Philadelphia native has good timing and solid power, and he is adept at taking advantage of an opponent’s miscues. Garcia does not get reckless when setting up his punches, and he mixes up his attacks to the head and body consistently while transitioning seamlessly to the defensive when an adversary is on the attack. His left hook is his most powerful offering, something that will keep Peterson on the alert throughout the fight.

Garcia can struggle when an opponent sticks to a sound game plan and limits mistakes. As someone with technical skills, superior footwork and a sound command of the ring, Peterson, at least in theory, fits that bill. He is not as awkward as someone like Herrera, but a 3.5-inch reach advantage paired with his solid left jab could aide him in keeping Garcia at bay.

Garcia will need to apply consistent pressure and cut off the ring in order to limit Peterson’s ability to dictate the range and tempo. Garcia will want to lure Peterson into exchanges in close quarters, where his power can take effect. Prior to the Matthysse loss, Peterson was known as a fighter who might get dropped but was difficult to put away. If he can close the distance consistently, Garcia might have success landing more powerful shots as the fight progresses.

The Pick: In a 10-round fight, neither man can afford a slow start. Since he won’t have to cut to 140 pounds, Garcia could be less drained and more effective come fight night. While Peterson can win rounds with movement and volume, Garcia is far more likely to land the more significant blows. As the bout moves into the later rounds, look for an inspired Garcia to wear Peterson down and seize control of the fight to put the previous year behind him. Garcia by late TKO or decision.