Peterson Now Open to Any Title Defense or Fight Opportunity, According to Team
In a surprising move yesterday evening Amir Khan, through his promoter Golden Boy Promotions, withdrew his protest with the IBF ending his efforts to force an immediate rematch against World Champion, Lamont Peterson.
The Peterson team responded with sound and factual supporting documentation to each of the various accusations which Khan used to dispute his loss of the World Championship to Peterson. This also included the now infamous “mystery man” at ringside who was accused of affecting the outcome of the bout and potentially having ties to Team Peterson, which was incorrect.
Other allegations by Khan were against the referee’s actions during the bout and the calculation of the scorecards by the judges as part of the reason he was declared the loser of the bout. Khan and Golden Boy vigorously used the media in efforts to further advance their argument, while Team Peterson responded with the facts and remained firm that they would not permit these tactics to detract from the Jr. Welterweight World Championship Lamont earned in the ring.
“We are extremely pleased that Golden Boy and Amir Khan withdrew their protest with the IBF. As we have said all along, we were not going to be forced to make a decision by one person or entity and we will continue to do what is in the best interest of Lamont Peterson,” said Barry Hunter the Manager and Trainer of Lamont Peterson.
“The Peterson team continuously responded to each of Khan’s accusations and the absurdity of the claims. Our reply addressed the rules and also Khan’s inability to make adjustments and his performance in the ring, as opposed to placing blame on almost everyone associated with the bout,” added Hunter.
Team Peterson feels this development serves as a form of vindication as it relates to the ruling of the IBF that Lamont is the IBF Junior Welterweight Champion of the World. Furthermore, this ruling essentially turns back the clock to December 11th and provides a number of options for Lamont to explore as he continues his professional boxing career.
Although rumors have surfaced that we are now in negotiations for a Peterson vs. Khan rematch in Washington DC, at this time there are no open negotiations for this bout. The Peterson team’s focus is on the WBA’s decision mandating an immediate rematch. A comprehensive written appeal has been submitted to the WBA and we are confident that the WBA will overturn its decision mandating an immediate rematch and recognize Lamont Peterson as the true and final WBA Jr. Welterweight World Champion.
“We have an open mind and look forward to Lamont’s first title defense. We will discuss internally and asses every viable opportunity available. We will then make the best decision possible for the future of Lamont and his family,” Hunter stated.
Over the past month there has been an overwhelming amount of interest garnered with respect to the outcome of the championship bout; however, what is consistent is the appreciation from fans across the world in support of Lamont’s efforts as a fighter and the true World Champion.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the fans for all the positive things that I’ve read over the internet and messages received via Twitter. I truly did not know how much support I had all over the world,” said Peterson.
“Now that this is over I am ready to move on. As I said before, as champion I plan on representing both sanctioning bodies to the best of ability and that means fighting the best fighters in the world in defending my titles.”
