Peterson lodges appeal against Khan rematch

Published on Thursday 19 January 2012 01:56

Lamont Peterson has lodged “a comprehensive written appeal” against the WBA’s decision to order a rematch against Amir Khan.

The governing body last week confirmed they wanted Peterson to defend their light-welterweight title against Khan after he defeated the Englishman in controversial circumstances in his native Washington on 10 December.

But Peterson – who will keep the IBF title regardless after Khan withdrew his appeal to that governing body – is ready to fight that judgment.

A statement from Team Peterson said: “Although rumours have surfaced that we are now in negotiations for a Peterson vs Khan rematch in Washington DC, at this time there are no open negotiations for this bout.

“The Peterson team’s focus is on the WBA’s decision mandating an immediate rematch.

“A comprehensive written appeal has been submitted to the WBA and we are confident that the WBA will overturn its decision mandating an immediate rematch and recognise Lamont Peterson as the true and final WBA light welterweight world champion.”

Peterson’s team contend Khan withdrew his appeal to the IBF because his case was not sound, although Khan’s team understandably claim the absence of referee Joe Cooper and WBA supervisor Michael Welsh were the key reasons behind their lack of faith in the hearing.

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.

“As we have said all along, we were not going to be forced to make a decision by one person or entity and we will continue to do what is in the best interest of Lamont Peterson.

“The Peterson team continuously responded to each of Khan’s accusations and the absurdity of the claims. Our reply addressed the rules and also Khan’s inability to make adjustments and his performance in the ring, as opposed to placing blame on almost everyone associated with the bout.

“We have an open mind and look forward to Lamont’s first title defence. We will discuss internally and assess every viable opportunity available. We will then make the best decision possible for the future of Lamont and his family.”

Peterson himself said: “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.”

Whether or not Peterson’s appeal to the WBA succeeds, the American knows he has the IBF version of the world title regardless. That means he could choose to ignore the WBA’s orders and give up their belt, while still having another title to defend.

Khan last night withdrew his appeal to the IBF on the eve of their scheduled hearing today.

Khan’s business manager, Asif Vali, also revealed last night Peterson’s manager, Hunter, failed to turn up to a meeting yesterday involving them, their American promoters Golden Boy and television paymasters HBO.

After pulling out of the hearing at the 11th hour, Golden Boy released a statement outlining their latest offer to new champion Peterson, which guaranteed a 50-50 split of “worldwide revenues” including British television cash.

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