IBF to investigate Khan scoring

The IBF has confirmed it will investigate Amir Khan’s defeat by Lamont Peterson after receiving a request for a formal appeal from the Briton’s management company, Golden Boy Promotions.

One of the areas of the appeal will be “miscalculation of scoring” after Golden Boy chief executive Richard Schaefer claimed there were irregularities in the way the scorecards were compiled and collected at the fight in Washington, DC, 12 days ago.

Khan was relieved of his WBA and IBF light welterweight world titles by Peterson, the hometown fighter, in a decision that continues to be bitterly disputed by the 25-year-old from Bolton. The performance of referee Joe Cooper, who deducted two points from Khan for pushing has also aroused suspicion.

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An IBF statement read: “On the evening of December 19, the IBF/USBA received a request for a formal appeal procedure from Golden Boy Promotions for the bout between Amir Khan and Lamont Peterson.

“The grounds for such an appeal include miscalculation of the scoring, inappropriate conduct by officials which may affect the outcome of the bout and any alleged violation of the rules of the IBF/USBA that may have a detrimental effect on the rights of the complainant.

“The complaint by Golden Boy Promotions has been accepted by the IBF/USBA and a panel of three boxing officials will be assembled to hear the appeal and review the bout.

“After completion, the panel will present its findings to the President, who after consulting with the Championships Committee, shall take that action deemed appropriate based upon the panel’s findings.”

The appeal is expected to be heard in New York on 18 and 19 January.

Schaefer has alleged that the IBF’s master scorecard disappeared immediately after the fight, only for a different version to be produced two days later.

Schaefer claims the different version was clearly made subsequently.

The preferred option for Schaefer is to see the result overturned but, if that outcome is not forthcoming, he wants Peterson to honour his pledge to have an immediate rematch. “We’ve been able to secure Staples Centre in LA on 19 May – neutral ground for both fighters,” he said.

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“We’ve made Team Peterson a seven-figure offer and are waiting to hear back from them. I’d be shocked if they don’t offer a rematch.”

“There is clear outrage against the officiating and something needs to be done,” said Schaefer. “There is clearly some smoke in relation to the scorecards. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

“There is nothing in the rules related to pushing. Even excessive pushing isn’t a foul.

“There was clearly no basis for a one-point deduction, and certainly not for a two-point deduction. The fact is this is one of the worst cases of home cooking I have seen. This decision must be corrected. I hope it will be corrected.”