Peterson confident of conquering Khan

Lamont Peterson, once struggling as a homeless youth on the streets of Washington, is all about timing as a fighter and he says his time has come to beat England's Amir Khan and be a champion. Peterson, 29-1-1 with 15 knockouts, will fight Khan, 26-1 with 18 knockouts, on December 10 in the US capital to try and claim the Englishman's World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation light-welterweight titles. Peterson's only loss came two years ago to unbeaten American compatriot Timothy Bradley, but has progressed since that fight and become confident in his style, skills and ability. "I'm more confident at that level, world championship fights, being more confident in doing what I know how to do," Peterson said Tuesday. "I feel I've progressed enough to become a star in this sport. "I believe that it's my time as a professional to be on top." Khan, who has won his past eight fights, plans to beat Peterson and move into the welterweight ranks where such stars as Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao await. But Peterson dreams of such big paydays as well and likes how his speed matches up against that of Khan. "I'm a timing type of fighter," Peterson said. "He throws a lot of punches and he throws them in bunches. He's fast. But I'm fast too. And timing beats speed every time. Sometimes you can go too fast. Timing is everything. "I'm not trying to go in an all-out sprint race with Amir. I'm going to work on the things I've been working on in the gym and stick with the game plan. "At this point I feel comfortable enough to be me. That will be a big difference in the fight and will be the key to victory." To that end, Peterson took a break from training on Tuesday to help deliver food to the needy. He will spend the American Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday working at a homeless mission serving meals, the sort he needed as a child. "It's an honor to take time out for these projects," Peterson said. "I know how rough things can get for people." Peterson's trainer, Barry Hunter, sees such links to past struggles as vital to instilling a sense of purpose in his fighter. "To have somebody come from that situation, prospering and doing well, just imagine if he can go out and win this world title," Hunter said. "There's more than money as motivation for us and we want to send this message across Planet Earth. I've watched this young man beat the odds his whole life. We've seen things that send chills up the average person's spine." Peterson is content with Khan drawing the lion's share of the attention. "At the end of the day we will get into the ring and I will get my chance to shine," he said. "I'm excited to get the chance to show what I can do. If you work hard and stay dedicated, you can make it. Roadblocks will occur but if you stay determined you can make it."