Derrick James, trainer for undefeated welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. (22-0, 19 KOs), says his boxer is the hardest puncher that he's ever seen in the gym.
This coming Saturday night, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Spence will defend his world title against former world champion Lamont Peterson (35-3-1, 17 KOs).
Showtime will begin the telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten lightweight world champion Robert Easter and former world champion Javier Fortuna in the televised co-feature.
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In his last fight, in May of 2016, Spence traveled to Sheffield and picked up a stoppage victory over Kell Brook to capture the IBF title.
As the fight played out, he broke Brook and fractured his orbital bone to secure a stoppage win in the eleventh round.
"I started training Errol about nine years ago but I never really knew just how special he was until about a year or so into our training. I thought Olympics were definitely possible, because I didn't want to look too far ahead. Now that we're here, I think he can beat any of the top guys. I want him to be undisputed welterweight champion just like he wants to be," James said.
"I never worry about comparing Errol to other guys in the sport. He's a hard puncher who breaks ribs and breaks faces. The longer the fight goes, the more pain he inflicts. I've never seen anybody who punches that hard."
James is very familiar with Peterson and his trainer, Barry Hunter. He expected the two sides would eventually collide when Peterson made the move to welterweight.
"I think Lamont knew when he moved up to welterweight that this fight would be a possibility. It's time for us to go to work because I know Lamont and Barry Hunter are working on a game plan. They have a great team and I know Lamont will be ready for what we bring," James said.
Lamont Peterson
Spence vs. Peterson