Everyone loves a good mystery. From the secrets of Stonehenge to who shot J.R., the public can?t seem to get enough of conspiracy theories, shadowy figures, and arduous enigmas. And apparently, it seems that Amir Khan is no different.
Everyone has their bad days, and for British sensation Amir Khan, that bad day just happened to occur on December 10th, 2011. On that particular night, Khan found himself on the short end of a split decision to lesser-known Washington D.C. pugilist Lamont Peterson. Khan, a rising sensation who had been heralded as one of the next big draws in professional boxing, was expected to be somewhat challenged by the twenty-seven year old Peterson. However, most agreed that Khan?s speed and skill level would present an insurmountable task for Peterson. Unfortunately for Khan, Lamont Peterson did not stick to the script. Peterson relentlessly pursued Khan from the opening bell, and continuously stalked the faster British star. However, the controversy surrounding the fight began began with supposed push in round seven. Referee Joe Cooper deducted a point from Khan for pushing off of Peterson, much to the frustration of Khan and his corner. Regardless of who you thought was winning the fight up to this point, it was obvious the fight was close and far more competitive than the media and fans alike thought it would be. Even a one point deduction could mean the difference between victory and defeat. And to make matters even worse for Khan, he just happened to be fighting in the hometown of his opponent.
The possibility of an upset began to linger in the air above the Convention Center in Washington D.C. Khan knew he was in trouble, and decided to take his opponent to task. Khan began to stick and move against the slower Peterson, and began to regain some of his lost momentum. But unfortunately for Khan, this brief moment of clarity was not to last. With the fight on the line, Khan was deducted another point in the twelfth and final round for the same offense. When the final bell sounded, the makings of an upset became a very real possibility. Two judges scored it 113-112 for Peterson, while one judge had it 115-110 for Khan. Lamont Peterson had captured the WBA and IBF light-welterweight titles.
