SI.com's 2011 Boxing Awards

OK, so Peterson got an assist from referee Joe Cooper, who inexplicably docked Khan two points for shoving during the fight. But Peterson, 27, fought a tough, disciplined fight against a heavily favored opponent. He dug at Khan's body and refused to give the skilled Brit any room to work with. Earlier this year Peterson passed on an opportunity to face Khan because of what he deemed was a bad deal. Instead, Peterson knocked out Victor Cayo to become Khan's mandatory and after 12 grueling rounds went home a unified junior welterweight champion. A loaded 140-pound division just got a little more crowded.