Peterson appeals against Khan WBA rematch

Lamont Peterson has lodged an appeal against the WBA’s decision to order a rematch against Amir Khan. The governing body last week sanctioned a repeat of the light- welterweight bout after Peterson won in controversial circumstances on December 10.

But the American, who will keep the IBF version of the title after Khan withdrew an appeal over the result, is contesting the judgment.

“We are confident the WBA will overturn its decision,” Peterson’s camp said.

In a written appeal they also asked the WBA to “recognise Lamont Peterson as the true and final WBA light welterweight world champion.” Peterson’s advisers claim Khan withdrew his appeal to the IBF because his case did not stand up, although Khan’s camp said their issue was that “only partial representation of fight officials who were involved” in the initial fight would be present.

Khan’s team appealed to have the points loss in Washington DC overturned after concerns over referee Joseph Cooper and the judging of the fight.

“Mystery man” Mustafa Ameen was at the centre of Khan’s questioning after he appeared to interfere with the scoring by WBA supervisor Michael Welsh during the fight.

But Ameen told BBC Sport in an exclusive interview that he was correcting errors made by Welsh, who had said he was unwell.

“I noticed one error and a subsequent error. I assisted him in correcting it without touching anything,” he said.

But Richard Schaefer, chief executive of Khan’s promoter Golden Boy, said: “Ameen’s explanation doesn’t really sound plausible”.

“Welsh seemed perfectly capable of adding a scoresheet.” Khan’s camp, which has offered a rematch to Peterson on May 19 in Los Angeles, was granted an immediate rematch by the World Boxing Association last week because of “multiple irregularities” in December’s controversial fight.

But Peterson refuted claims that talks for a rematch were ongoing between the two parties.

And Peterson’s trainer, manager and mentor Barry Hunter said: “We are extremely pleased that Golden Boy and Amir Khan withdrew their protest with the IBF. “We will continue to do what is in the best interest of Lamont Peterson.” Peterson added: “Now that this is over I am ready to move on. As I said before, as champion I plan on representing both sanctioning bodies to the best of ability and that means fighting the best fighters in the world in defending my titles.” Ameen denies any allegations of wrongdoing during the original bout, and has demanded an apology from Khan and his camp. (BBC Sports)