Amir Khan: I am glad the WBA are reinstating me as champion – Boxing News
British-Pakistani fighter Amir Khan believes the WBA has done justice by reinstating him as the WBA light welterweight champion. The Bolton proud is now excited to enter the ring against Danny Garcia on July 14 as a champion.
Yesterday, the WBA revealed its course of reinstating Khan as the champion, following Lamont Peterson’s positive drug test. The World Boxing Association emphasised on their regulations, saying the association strips off any titlist who is caught in illegal
activities such as consuming drugs.
Upon hearing the news, Khan remarked, “Justice has been done.”
He added, “I'm glad the WBA are reinstating me as champion, it means I walk into this fight as world champion. There is a chance to win the WBC belt as well but not only that, the Ring magazine title will be on the line as well.”
“It means this fight will really show who is the best fighter in the 140lb division.”
Lamont Peterson defeated Khan last year in December through a controversial split decision. Khan’s camp was agitated over the entire scenario and so the Briton filed several inquiry pleas. However, to his disappointment, all he could get was a rematch against
Peterson.
Both the fighters were scheduled for a rematch on May 19 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Just two weeks earlier to the bout, Lamont Peterson’s positive drug report surfaced, taking Khan’s camp by storm. The rematch was immediately cancelled
and subsequently Khan challenged WBC light welterweight titlist Danny Garcia for a match.
It should be noted here that the IBF has yet to conclude whether it wants Peterson to retain the championship. Khan filed a plea with the IBF, requesting to strip Peterson off since it has been proven the American was on drugs in their last encounter.
As of now, the bout between Khan and Garcia, set for July 14 at the Mandalay Resort & Casino will have three titles on the line. Garcia will defend his WBC title, Khan will defend his WBA title and the vacant Ring Magazine title will be up for grabs. Winner
of the bout will unify all three titles of the division.
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