Boxing News 24/7 Tommy Barber – London
Since the official announcement regarding Amir Khan‘s second professional loss – a split decision defeat to Lamont Peterson in December – was made, the British boxer-puncher has vehemently disputed the verdict and, after lobbying for a do-over, finally has the rematch he craves as new WBA/IBF unified super lightweight world champion Lamont Peterson has committed to a May 19 date in Las Vegas.
Khan aims to reclaim his brace of belts. Credit: Stacey Verbeek - Maple Avenue Boxing Gym, Dallas
“I confirm that it’s all signed,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions and Khan’s US handlers, to Ringtv.com. “We have indeed reached an agreement. I believe that the rematch between Lamont and Amir is one of the most anticipated fights, and both of these young men are tremendous athletes and they gave it their all in December.”
Khan has a 2-0-0, 1ko record in Las Vegas, a 3-1-0, 2ko record in the US and a 26-2-0, 18ko record overall. In May, he makes a return to the Mandalay Bay and Resort Casino, the same venue that he trounced Zab Judah in as well as battling to a fight of the year with Marcos Maidana.
“I expect that the rematch, which will take place on May 19 on HBO World Championship Boxing from the Mandalay Bay will be another terrific night of boxing,” Schaefer added. “It was a hard and long negotiation, but I am glad that in the end, both fighters get the opportunity to face each other again.”
In electing to box Khan in his first defence of the two world titles he won against the very man he is rematching, it appears Peterson (30-1-1, 15ko) spurred a potentially lucrative shot with Manny Pacquiao. There had been speculation that, with Timothy Bradley and Pacquiao matched together to fight in the summer, there would be a playoff between Peterson and Juan Manuel Marquez to decide who would win the right to face Pacquiao later in the year, or in early 2013.
Such an offer may not be extended to Peterson again as Khan has every intention of re-claiming the unified championship: “At last I get the fight I deserve,” he said, before concluding: “[The] belts are coming home.”
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Its always fair to give chance to every one in boxing the likes of the verdict between the two boxers last combat.Thumbs up for WBA/IBF to make this happen&by taking the case so proffessionally.Its now up to the two camps to prepare their boxers to give people an exciting thriller.All the best&may the best boxer carry the day!
I don’t know that Amir is a boxer puncher. He’s more of a boxer slapper when it comes to fighting at the championship level or any other level for that matter.