Khan granted rematch against Peterson

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LONDON -- Amir Khan was granted a rematch against Lamont Peterson by the WBA on Friday.

Khan lost his WBA and IBF belts to Peterson on a split decision after being docked two points for pushing in the Dec. 10 fight and he later also questioned the presence of a "mystery man" distracting judges at ringside.

Peterson's spokesman, Andre Johnson, confirmed they "have received notice" of the rematch, but stressed an IBF hearing is still due to take place next week.

Khan's promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, said in a statement that the fight will be staged again within 180 days after it said the WBA concluded the December contest was "riddled with controversy as a result of a plethora of anomalies."

The decision marks a victory for Khan's camp, which has spent a month protesting the outcome.

"I am thrilled about the decision and hope that we can start negotiations and get the rematch done," Golden Boy Promotions 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 since this will be one of the most anticipated fights of 2012."

The British fighter said "April or May could be a good date for us."

Video emerged earlier this month -- highlighted by Khan's camp -- showing the presence of a "mystery man" distracting judges at ringside and then next to Peterson and his team as they celebrated the victory in the ring.

He was later identified as Mustafa Ameen but his presence was unauthorized and he "seemingly communicated with fight officials throughout the fight," Golden Boy Promotions said.