Amir Khan – No Peterson, No Garcia and no title bouts soon – Boxing Special
It seems like Amir Khan’s boxing career has entered the realm of darkness, where it is being shrouded with misfortune every now and then. Think of it – the Brit first lost his IBF and WBA title to Lamont Peterson last year via controversial decision, then
his rematch against Peterson was cancelled following the American’s failed drug test and then Khan once again lost the WBA title to Danny Garcia last month.
Khan, who was once the best fighter in the light welterweight division, is now not even in the top three. Unfortunately, the British-Pakistani fighter is going through a rough patch in his career, a patch where he cannot blame the referees, judges or yet
another ‘Mysterious Man’ for his defeat. After his loss to Peterson, Khan made it a mark to make the world know that the fight had several irregularities. And so, he got an immediate rematch against Peterson scheduled for May 19 at the Mandalay Bay Resort
and Casino in Las Vegas.
However, Peterson failed a drug test conducted by VADA in late April, which eventually caused the rematch against Khan to be cancelled. The former champion was irked by the scenario and so he appealed with the IBF and the WBA to strip Peterson off the titles.
Luckily, Khan’s plea was accepted by the WBA and he was reinstated as the light welterweight champion but the IBF reserved its decision until further inquiry.
Two weeks back, the IBF gave its verdict, allowing Peterson to retain the title believing that the American fighter had higher testosterone levels due to his medicines and not because of taking performance enhancing drugs.
Khan felt dejected by the decision. He made sure his outcry was heard loud and clear by his fans and naysayers.
“I read somewhere, IBF give Peterson the title and heard he is fighting judda next. Wow, so it must be ok to take drugs in boxing + still box,” tweeted the British fighter.
Another tweet from Khan read, “Peterson was caught juiced up so WBA reinstated the title back. IBF I heard have peterson still champ and NO ban. What’s point of drug tests.”
And, yet another tweet came in, “I’m not bitter 1 bit about wot the IBF have done, its jus unfair in sport. Getting caught taking drugs. Lol he can keep the title and the W.”
In other words, Khan lost his WBA title to Garcia and lost the chance of being reinstated as the IBF champion as well. Similarly, Khan wanted to face Garcia for a title rematch but the unbeaten American fighter decided to go on for a fight against Mexican
legend Erik Morales.
On the other hand, Lamont Peterson is planning on a fight against Zab Judah, Khan’s long time rival.
Unfortunately, now Khan stands with no possibility of a title shot in this year. Garcia, who holds the WBC and WBA titles, has declined Khan’s rematch offer, whereas Peterson, who holds the IBF title, will not be fighting Khan anytime soon after listening
to the humiliating comments made the Brit.
It seems like Khan needs to rebuild his brand in order to get back to his stature. Right now, he is being criticised widely for his defeat against Garcia. The only way the Brit can get a title shot now is by ensuring that he is back at his game.
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