Now Lamont appeals against rematch
Lamont Peterson is appealing against the WBA’s ruling that he must fight Amir Khan in a rematch.
The American’s handlers have submitted an appeal to the WBA asking it to overturn the decision.
Peterson took the WBA and IBF junior welterweight titles from the British fighter in a hotly disputed bout in Washington in December.
Khan's camp have withdrawn an appeal to the IBF over the split-decision loss, saying it feared he would not receive a fair hearing. Peterson's management said the move vindicated the American's victory.
The British team’s protests led to the WBA granting a rematch, which Khan's backers, Golden Boy Promotions, announced would be staged within 180 days. That is now being challenged by Peterson.
"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 recognise Lamont Peterson as the true and final WBA junior welterweight champion," Peterson's camp said in a statement on Wednesday.
They were also buoyed by Khan's team withdrawing its appeal ahead of an IBF hearing that was to take place on Wednesday.
"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," Peterson's camp declared.
"Furthermore, this ruling essentially turns back the clock to December 11 and provides a number of options for Lamont to explore as he continues his professional boxing career."
They insisted that, despite rumours, there were "no open negotiations" about a rematch in Washington.
Peterson reaffirmed that he wanted to remain the united IBF and WBA champion. "Now that this is over I am ready to move on," he said.
"As I said before, as champion I plan on representing both sanctioning bodies to the best of my ability and that means fighting the best fighters in the world in defending my titles."
Khan has been campaigning for justice for weeks after claiming poor refereeing and interference with fight judges were behind his loss.
The IBF issued its own statement, saying it was unfortunate that it had to defend its integrity "when every step to provide a fair and just hearing for both parties was taken and was given the utmost importance."