Soccer

Khan appeal set for next month

Boxing: Amir Khan’s camp have been informed by the WBA and IBF that an appeal into the controversial points defeat by Lamont…

Tue Dec 20 2011 - 00:00

Boxing:Amir Khan's camp have been informed by the WBA and IBF that an appeal into the controversial points defeat by Lamont Peterson will be held in mid January. Golden Boy Promotions chief executive Richard Schaefer tonight revealed that contrary to reports, the sanctioning bodies will investigate events in Washington 10 days ago.

Khan was relieved of his WBA and IBF world titles by Peterson, the hometown fighter, in a decision that continues to be bitterly disputed by the 25-year-old. The performance of referee Joe Cooper, who deducted two points from Khan for pushing, and alleged irregularities with the scorecards has prompted Golden Boy to seek redress.

“We have filed an official appeal which will trigger a thorough investigation from the IBF and WBA,” said Schaefer. “I’ve been given an update by the IBF and WBA. They both want the appeal in New York on January 18th and 19th.

“They will make their decision on whether the outcome should be overturned, should stand or if there needs to be a rematch. There is clear outrage against the officiating and something needs to be done.”

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Schaefer is furious with what he views as a hometown decision, citing in the first instance discrepancies in the way the scorecards were compiled and collected. The IBF’s master scorecard disappeared immediately after the fight, only for an IBF scorecard to be produced 48 hours ago that Schaefer claims was clearly made subsequently.

Cooper’s influence on the outcome has also provoked the ire of Golden Boy.

“There is clearly some smoke in relation to the scorecards. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” said Schaefer. “There is nothing in the rules related to pushing. Even excessive pushing isn’t a foul. There was clearly no basis for a one-point deduction, and certainly not for a two-point deduction.

“The fact is this is one of the worst cases of home cooking I have seen. Peterson was warned throughout the fight about using his head, but Cooper never deducted a point from him. The inconsistency is absolutely shocking and if this isn’t home cooking, I don’t know what is.

“This decision must be corrected. I hope it will be corrected. The WBA and IBF have an opportunity and obligation to do the right thing.”