Appeal over Khan title defeat set for January

Golden Boy Promotions chief executive Richard Schaefer last night 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 18 and 19.

“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.”

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,” added 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.”

The preferred option for Schaefer is to see the result overturned, but if that outcome is not forthcoming, he wants to see Peterson honour his pledge for an immediate rematch.