‘Justice’ as Khan is reinstated as champion

Amir Khan has been reinstated as WBA light-welterweight champion by the governing body following his controversial loss to Lamont Peterson, according to his promoter.

The Briton lost his WBA and IBF belts in a hotly-disputed loss to Peterson in the Washington fighter’s hometown last December. Khan raised a number of grievances surrounding the result and was further vindicated when Peterson tested positive for synthetic testosterone before their scheduled May rematch.

Golden Boy Promotions chief executive Richard Schaefer said the WBA informed him last night that Khan has been given his title back and will put it on the line in a unification bout with WBC champion Danny Garcia on Saturday.

“Justice has been done,” Khan said last night. “I’m glad the WBA are reinstating me as champion, it means I walk into this fight as world champion. There is a chance to win the WBC belt as well but not only that, the Ring magazine title will be on the line as well. It means this fight will really show who is the best fighter in the 140lb division.”

Both the World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation have taken their time considering what action to take. Schaefer claimed recently the WBA had decided to strip Peterson of the belt and put it on the line, but the WBA, true to form, made no public statement. However, Schaefer revealed they have gone a step further by not simply declaring the title vacant but, crucially, awarding it to Khan.

Peterson admitted to using the testosterone – apparently for medical reasons – before their controversial encounter, calling into question the validity of his win. While the result has not been overturned and seems unlikely to be in the future, the WBA’s decision adds weight to Khan’s belief that the loss should be regarded as null and void.

Meanwhile, David Haye accepts that beating Dereck Chisora in Saturday’s grudge match at Upton Park will fail to enhance his legacy. The credibility Haye lost with his wide points defeat by Wladimir Klitschko 12 months ago – which he subsequently partially blamed on a broken little toe – will be shattered beyond repair should he lose to Chisora.

Starting as a strong favourite, the 31-year-old from Bermondsey is facing a less experienced opponent who has lost his last three fights. Before tarnishing his reputation against Klitschko, Haye admitted it was his “career-defining fight, the one I’ll be remembered for in years to come”.

And while crushing Chisora – a man he hates – will prove satisfying following their brawl in Munich five months ago, he knows history will be indifferent to the victory. “Beating Chisora won’t add to my legacy,” he said. “In 50 years time, when people look back at my career, they won’t see this fight and think Dereck Chisora was a great fight. Chisora doesn’t have any titles and has been coming off three losses.”