Amir Khan is still likely to get a rematch despite the IBF's ruling

The IBF have refused to order a rematch between newly crowned champion Lamont Peterson and former holder Amir Khan following an appeal lodged by Khan’s team. The protest was over the way referee Joseph Cooper handled the bout, deducting two points from Khan for pushing, and also a discrepancy on the scorecards prior to the decision being announced.

Today IBF chairman Lindsay Tucker confirmed that the organization would not be ordering a rematch and were satisfied that the fight at the Convention Center in Washington, D.C was officiated fairly.

“We found no discrepancies that would affect the outcome or the result of the fight,” Tucker said.

“We decided not to order an immediate rematch on the basis of the fact that in the rules, if the referee feels that it’s a foul, then that’s his call to take a point. He did warn Khan several times before he actually took the first point.”

In truth the ruling means little as a rematch between the pair still seems highly likely. Peterson has said all along that he was willing to accommodate Khan, who suffered his second career loss, and today once again confirmed it.

“I look forward to doing everything in my power inside and outside of the ring to represent the IBF and WBA as the new champion,” Peterson told Sky Sports.

“Let it go. He lost the fight, he might get a rematch and he’ll get a chance to prove himself. I definitely want a rematch.”

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2. Khan wants Peterson rematch on March 31 in Vegas
3. Peterson new champ as Khan claims unfair treatment
4. Khan and Peterson both confident ahead of Saturday’s title fight
5. Khan hits Washington to announce bout with Peterson