Skip to main content

IBF comment on WBA’s Khan decision

Phil D. Jay 
WBN Editor
Body reviewing Peterson documents

The Internation Boxing Federation have called the WBA’s ruling to reappoint Amir Khan as their champion a ‘big decision’ and plan to make their own judgement in the future after receiving the relevant documents.

Lamont Peterson tested positive for a banned steroid in a post-fight drug test following his twelve round victory over Khan in Washington late last year, and has since admitted administering testosterone in the pre-fight build-up.

The American took Khan’s IBF and WBA title in the process, although the WBA have since stripped Peterson and reinstated the British fighter as their champion in the wake of their own reviewing process.

Confirmation has not yet been released that Peterson knowingly tried to gain an advantage over his opponent in December and IBF spokesperson Jeanette Salazar told WBN that they are currently weighing up the evidence in the case.

“We have received the documents and they will be reviewed by an independent physician,” Salazar told World Boxing News.

“Once we get all the information from the physician a decision will be made with regard to the title.”

Salazar believes that the WBA’s swift act to give the title back to Khan is a massive one to make in the time frame and reassured WBN that they will not be swayed by the decision to give Khan back his status.

“I don't know what their decision making process was, or what specific factors led to them making that decision,” said Salazar.

“It was a big decision to make, and a very important one, so I would assume that they made in the end, the decision they felt was best.”

Popular posts from this blog

WBN Remembers: "Gypsy Boy" Ernie Smith

Phil D. Jay WBN Editor  (picure by boxrec.com)  After almost a year and a half without one of boxing’s great journeymen, World Boxing News is looking back at the 161-fight career of Worcestershire warrior Ernie Smith, concentrating on his contribution in the ring, rather than the tragic way his life ended out of it. Smith turned professional at super-featherweight in 1998 at the Park Hall Hotel in Wolverhampton, losing a six rounder against Welshman Woody Greenaway.  One month later, Ernie was thrown in with an unknown prospect by the name of Gavin Rees (former world champion and current British Lightweight Champion) who he also took the distance over four rounds. The “Gypsy Boy” then managed to string together a four fight unbeaten run together in early 1999 and ended the year winning five out of his twelve contests, but by this time had already delved into the journeyman pool of boxers with a record of 5-8-1. After settling at the welterweight limit, Ernie ga...

Ashley Theophane talks US return, Ricky Burns sparring and future fights

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor ‘Treasure’ training for August 24 return Former British light-welterweight champion Ashley Theophane is aiming to put the disappointment of his loss to Darren Hamilton behind him when he makes his comeback in Charlotte, North Carolina on August 24. The 31 year-old, who has fought some of the top fighters between 140 and 154lbs, planned to take 18 months out of chasing his world title dream to win a British Lonsdale belt outright and just fell short with points defeat to Hamilton in May after making two defences. The Londoner is now returning to the US to re-establish his headline status on American soil. He fights for the 38th time in his career against an opponent yet to be named at NC Music Factory’s Reelworks Studios and is currently preparing to get back to winning ways. “Training has gone well for this fight. I've been in the gym for nearly nine weeks so I'm in great shape and ready to go,” Theophane told World Boxing News. ...

WBO #4 Orlando Cruz comes out as the first openly gay boxer in history

Orlando Cruz, a professional boxer from San Juan Puerto Rico (18-2-1, 9 KOs), former Olympian and currently ranked No. 4 Featherweight by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), is announcing today that he ”Is a proud gay man.” Cruz is the first openly gay man in boxing history.  “I’ve been fighting for more than 24 years and as I continue my ascendant career, I want to be true to myself,” said Cruz.  “I want to try to be the best role model I can be for kids who might look into boxing as a sport and a professional career.  I have and will always be a proud Puerto Rican.  I have always been and always will be a proud gay man.” Orlando Cruz began boxing at the age of 7 and posted an amateur career record of 178-11.  He won 7 Puerto Rico National Title's and spent 4 years on The Puerto Rican National Team.  Cruz won 7 Gold Medals, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze in various international tournaments.  His amateur career culminated as a representative of the 2000 ...