Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
WBN Editor
WBA give champion 4-6 months to defend against Amir Khan
World Boxing Assocaition vice president Gilberto Mendoza
has told WBN that Lamont Peterson has ten days to appeal the organisation’s
recent decision to hand Amir Khan an immediate rematch with the IBF and WBA
light-welterweight champion.
Peterson, 27, thought he had become the unified champion
with a straightforward split decision point’s victory over the Briton in
Washington, but the WBA have now reviewed evidence of alleged scorecard
tampering and illegal points deductions handed to them by Team Khan and have
ordered a return.
“It was ruled a direct rematch,” Mendoza told World
Boxing News.
“The decision was merely based on true facts and fairness
oriented. There is no doubt that the fight was competitive and had
controversial calls, but given that, "neutrality" is not guaranteed for pre-emption
of local commissions rules over sanctioning bodies and the chances of reducing
it are far from our intentions.
“Perhaps experienced judges and referees may increase the
odds of minimizing controversy in championship matches.
On the WBA final decision, Mendoza stated: “The facts weighed on the decision which the official’s
committee report favoured Khan and also included American judges who ruled in
his favour.”
There will now be a period of appeal for Peterson, which
will coincide with an IBF hearing to be heard on January 18th, into the interference of Mustafa
Ameen, who was ringside and in proximity of the scorecards when not assigned to
the fight.
“I can confirm that Peterson has ten days in which to
appeal the decision by the WBA,” added Mendoza.