The World Boxing Association (WBA) ordered an immediate rematch between new junior middleweight champion Lamont Peterson and former champion Amir Khan. Peterson won a controversial split decision over Khan in December to become the unified WBA/IBF 14-pound champion. A rematch must take place within 180 days.
Khan filed numerous protests following the loss, claiming the ringside presence of Mustafa Ameen, who was alleged to have handled the bout scorecards and interfered with bout officials and judges, cast doubt over the integrity of the judges’ scorecards. Another point of contention is the two points deducted from Khan by referee Joseph Cooper, as a result of Khan repeatedly pushing Peterson during the bout.
The WBA cited rule C.26 of its by-laws, and claimed Cooper’s decision to rule a first-round knockdown a slip and the two questionable point deductions are the reasons behind their decision. The WBA also cited possible discrepancies in the scoring between the WBA, IBF, and the District of Columbia Boxing and Wrestling Commission.
