Peterson takes Khan's titles after heroic effort

Lamont Peterson wrestled Amir Khan’s WBA Super and IBF light-welterweight titles from him by split decision after a dramatic and pulsating contest last night in the American’s home city of Washington DC.

The cards at the Convention Center were announced as 114-111 Khan and 113-112 twice for Peterson.  The 114-111 tally was actually 115-110. BoxRec News had it a draw at 114 apiece.

The bare tallies certainly reflect the close nature of the contest but don’t reveal that had Khan not suffered two point deductions in rounds seven and twelve for pushing Peterson away, he would be travelling back home to Bolton still a champion.

“I was up against two men tonight,” stated Khan in his post-fight interview with HBO’s Larry Merchant. “The referee (Joe Cooper) and Lamont Peterson. He (Peterson) kept putting his head down and I had to push him off. This is why there hasn’t been boxing in Washington DC for twenty years because this happens.”

The deductions weren’t unfair, in truth. Even if one thought they were harsh, Khan should have desisted from his behaviour as he’d been warned numerous times by the arbiter. Although Peterson came in with his head at times and perhaps should have been warned for doing so, Khan repeatedly pushed the challenger down by his neck and could have had a point off for this too.

Khan won the opening two rounds, the first by a 10-8 margin after the challenger was down twice, the first of which was ruled a slip. Peterson realised he couldn’t box Khan so went for all out aggression and it was a tactic which eventually worked.

The now former champion chose the wrong moments to display bravado with shakes of his head after being caught inside, as he was regularly clipped again for his troubles. Peterson took rounds three and four before Khan got back to his boxing in five and six which seemed to encourage the Washington native to even greater, almost unsustainable industry.

Khan got on his bike but the American would not be denied and the contest was even after eight rounds. Every time Khan seemed to find an answer, it proved merely temporary; Peterson didn’t do anything differently to the campaign he launched in round three but Khan simply couldn’t keep him at bay sufficiently.

However, the Bolton man was still in a position to keep his titles going into the last – the contest was even on our card; Khan just about won the last but the point deduction in the final round left it an even contest and certainly one about which there could be no complaints whoever snatched victory.

As it was, Peterson got the nod and it would take the coldest of hearts to have any feelings of injustice or resentment towards the once homeless cast off, a proven warrior who gave this challenge absolutely everything.

Khan wants a rematch and the honourable and humble new double world champion graciously said he’d grant him one.

If it happens, don’t miss it.