Amir Khan Granted Rematch With Lamont Peterson By WBA As 'Mystery Man' Faces Hearing

Amir Khan Granted World Title Rematch
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Boxer Amir Khan's demand for a rematch against Lamont Peterson has been granted by the World Boxing Association.

Khan lost his WBA and IBF titles after losing to Peterson in December, and has since called into question whether the fight was judged fairly.

WBA vice-president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza said: "I can confirm we have ordered a direct rematch."

Khan believes that a "mystery man", who was sat ringside by WBA official Michael Walsh at the Washington fight, may have interfered in the score.

The allegations were made after weeks of protest at the decision to award the fight to Peterson from Khan's camp.

The man, Mustafa Ameen, was thought to be an IBF official but that has been denied by the organisation, who have only admitted that he does outreach work for one of their outreach programmes.

The IBF have admitted that Ameen was given fight credentials after a request from the IBF.

Two referees and a boxing judge will conduct the hearing. They have been named by the BBC as referees Jack Reiss of California and Sam Viruet of New York, and Glenn Feldman, a boxing judge from Connecticut.

Khan's promoter Richard Schaefer, who is also the head of Golden Boy Promotions, told ESPN: "I'm thrilled that he's getting [a rematch] and hope we can start the negotiations and get the fight done.

"Amir and Lamont are both terrific young men and athletes who fought their hearts out in Washington in December," he added. "And I'm sure this decision will get applause by fight fans around the world."

If Peterson refuses to fight in the rematch he will surrender his WBA title back to Khan. It is not known if the IBF will also order a rematch.