London: Amir Khan got his wish fulfilled after his nemesis Lamont Peterson agreed for a rematch at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas on May 19.
Khan, 25, lost the World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation light-welterweight titles on a highly disputed split points decision in Peterson’s hometown, Washington DC.
“The belts will be coming home,” Khan posted on Thursday night on his twitter page, confirming that both the IBF and WBA 140lb belts would be on the line in Sin City.
The judging, two points deducted by referee Joe Cooper and the man in the hat at ringside all kept the bout controversial, with the WBA ordering a rematch.
He had lodged an appeal to the IBF, but Khan, and his US promoters Golden Boy later dropped the appeal, according to reports.
Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, said he had offered Peterson “a 50-50 split of worldwide revenues and United Kingdom revenues” to secure the world championship bout.
Peterson was initially offered one million dollar by Schaefer to face Khan in a return bout after having earned a career-best 650,000 dollar to Khan`s 1.1 million dollar in their first bout.
Bureau report
First Published: Friday, February 10, 2012, 12:55