Lamont Peterson: The controversy surrounding Peterson?s split-decision victory over Amir Khan on Saturday in the nation?s capital shouldn?t detract from his victory. One could argue that the new WBA and IBF junior welterweight titleholder deserved the decision regardless of the two points referee Joseph Cooper stole from Khan, which decided the fight. The Briton probably did more work but Peterson might?ve done better work, taking the fight to Khan and landing hard, telling blows throughout. The victory was a major breakthrough for Peterson, who lost to Timothy Bradley and drew with Victor Ortiz in his two most-meaningful fights before Khan. Now he is an elite fighter. He should be applauded for his performance and accomplishment. BIGGEST LOSER
Amir Khan: The now-former 140-pound titleholder has reason to be frustrated. He won on one card 115-110 but lost on the other two by an identical 113-112. Throw out the two bogus point deductions and he wins 115-110, 114-113 and 114-113. Throw out the point Peterson lost when Cooper ruled erroneously that he was knocked down in the first round and the scores are 115-110, 114-114 and 114-114. That?s a majority draw, which would?ve allowed Khan to keep his title. Alas, Khan was a winner in defeat. He fought well enough to win on my scorecard, which was 113-112 (or seven rounds to five). And he proved he?s more than a fancy boxer; his toughness was impressive as anything else on Saturday. I like his chances if he and Peterson meet again. VERY BIGGEST LOSER
Joseph Cooper: The referee from Virginia can argue that his actions were justified based on strict interpretation of the rules, which make it illegal to push an opponent as Khan did repeatedly. Cooper apparently warned Khan before deducting a point in both the seventh and final rounds, which is proper procedure. Here?s the problem: Khan?s actions were nearly flagrant enough to cost him two points. Boxers violate rules in every round of every fight, holding, pushing, rabbit punching, etc. A referee must use common sense to determine when a fighter gains a significant advantage by his actions; clearly, Khan did not in this case. Peterson said as much in the post-fight interview. In the end, Cooper?s poor judgment cost Khan his hard-earned title.
