Amir Khan: referee cost me my light-welterweight titles against Lamont Peterson in Washington

Amir Khan has blamed referee Joseph Cooper for his shock light-welterweight world title defeat by Lamont Peterson, insisting he was "against two people" in the ring.

Khan, who lost a split decision to local man Peterson by two scores of 113-112 against him at the George E Washington Convention Center, was deducted a point by Cooper in both the seventh and 12th rounds for pushing.

Khan unsurprisingly disputed the calls - which were decisive in the outcome of the bout - and insisted any pushing was prompted by Peterson's own foul play.

"It was like I was against two people in there," he said. "He kept trying to pick me up. He was wild. He was coming in with his head lower and lower every time.

"I had to push him away because he was trying to come in with his head. He was just so low. He was being effective in pressurising me but I was the cleaner fighter all night.

"I am ready for a rematch. I am here and I will take it. I knew it would be tough against him in his home town and this is why boxing has not been in Washington DC for 20 years - because you get a decision like that.

"I thought he was going to head butt me and that is why I pushed him."

Peterson was simply happy to finally have two belts around his waist.

"I came into this fight as the underdog with most people giving me no chance of winning," he said. "But I followed my game plan.

"I knew this was a 12-round fight - not just three rounds - and I didn't get worried when I got knocked down inthe first round.

"I came back. He was holding my head and pushing me down. That's why the ref took the two points off.

"My body shots were working. I will definitely give him a rematch, why not? He gave me a shot at his titles in the first place so I will give him a rematch, no problem."

By Telegraph staff and agencies

Source:   www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/boxing/8948972/Amir-Khan-referee-cost-me-my-light-welterweight-titles-against-Lamont-Peterson-in-Washington.html
 

Khan launches referee probe after title loss

The team of English boxer Amir Khan are investigating referee Joseph Cooper, after he presided over the loss to Lamont Peterson on Saturday.

Khan conceded his IBF and WBA Light Welterweight titles in Washington DC, going down by a majority decision, with two judges awarding the bout to Peterson 113-112, with the other giving it to Khan 114-111.

Team Khan released a statement confirming they were seeking clarification regarding Cooper's performance, with the Bolton-born Khan particularly displeased with his decision to dock him two points for pushing.

"Following the decision in the fight, Team Khan and Golden Boy Promotions intends to make inquiries with the District of Columbia Boxing and Wrestling Commission, the IBF and the WBA regarding the performance of referee Joseph Cooper and will also be seeking clarification regarding certain ambiguities with respect to the scores of the fight," the team's statement read.

The team went on to congratulate Lamont on the win, but also anticipated a re-match early next year.

"We would like to congratulate Lamont Peterson on his performance against Amir Khan. Not only has he shown that he is a tremendous fighter inside the ring, but also a great man out of the ring," the statement continued.

"We look forward to an immediate rematch with Lamont as confirmed by Lamont and his manager/trainer Barry Hunter."

Source: www.sportal.co.in/other-sports-news-display/amir-khan-launches-ref-probe-151826