In a terrible night for Amir Khan, the British boxer lost both his WBA and IBF light-welterweight titles, not to mention his biggest chance to crack America yet, after a split-decision defeat to Lamont Peterson.
Billed as the ‘Capital Showdown’ in Washington, DC last night, Khan had two points deducted for pushing by fight referee Joseph Cooper. Ultimately, those deductions cost the fighter his titles in spectacular fashion.
“I was up against two people in there,” said an angered Khan after the fight. “He was coming in with his head lower and lower and I was trying to stay away from his head. He was being effective at pressuring.
“I was the cleaner fighter all night. I’m ready for a rematch, and I’ll take it. This is why boxing hasn’t been here for 20 years, because you get a decision like this.”
Thankfully, boxing fans will get the chance to see a rematch for last night’s blistering bout, as new WBA and IBF champ Peterson said post-fight that he would defend his titles against Khan next year.
The fight is likely to scheduled for the US once more, meaning that Khan will have the opportunity to win back his titles and win over a potentially lucrative US audience.
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