The World Boxing Association on Friday ordered a rematch within 180 days of the controversial light-welterweight world title fight between Britain’s Amir Khan and American Lamont Peterson. The move comes in the wake of a much debated split-decision victory by Peterson over the Englishman last month in Washington, Peterson’s hometown, and after a formal appeal by Golden Boy Promotions to the WBA on behalf of Khan. “I’m pleased that justice has been done and the WBA has ordered an immediate rematch,” Khan said. “All we ask as sportsmen is for a fair and level playing field when we compete. “Lamont Peterson proved in our fight that he is a great competitor. I hope a second bout will be just as exciting. I want to prove without doubt that I’m the best in the 140-pound division by taking care of business in the rematch.” Referee Joe Cooper deducted points from Khan in the seventh and 12th rounds for pushing, a rare call, and did not credit Khan with what should have been a knockdown in the first round, according to the WBA. The sanctioning body said Cooper’s moves impacted the outcome of the fight. Had Khan not been docked the point in the final round, judges scores would have made the fight a draw and Khan would have kept his titles. Instead, Peterson took the WBA and International Boxing Federation crowns, improving to 30-1-1 with 15 knockouts. Khan fell to 26-2 with 18 knockouts. Peterson, mentioned as a possible next foe for Manny Pacquiao, could vacate the WBA crown rather than fight a rematch with Khan and even keep a share of the title, depending on what happens in next week’s IBF hearing on the fight. “Unfortunately, we are in this process of dealing with these unfounded protests,” said Barry Hunter, Peterson’s manager and trainer. “Khan blames everyone and everything but his performance and lack of ability to make adjustments in the ring for his loss. “It would be an understatement to characterize Lamont as being disappointed in the unprofessional manner in which Khan is attempting to discredit his performance in the ring and victory.” Promoters, meanwhile, hope they have the chance for a Khan-Peterson rematch. “I’m thrilled about the decision and hope that we can start negotiations and get the rematch done,” Golden Boy chief executive Richard Schaefer said. “Both Amir and Lamont are terrific young men and athletes who fought their hearts out in Washington last December. I am sure that fight fans from around the world applaud the WBA’s decision.”
