Amir Khan loses WBA and IBF light-welterweight titles to Lamont Peterson

Amir Khan connects with a left punch to the head of Lamont Peterson
during the Capital Showdown

Amir Khan lost to Lamont Peterson, in a controversial split decision, for the WBA Super Lightweight and IBF Junior Welterweight titles at the Washington Convention Center.

Two points deducted from Khan for pushing proved crucial as the judges scored the fight at 113-112, 113-112, 111-114 in favour of the local fighter.

Khan had dominated the opening round, with blistering speed. Peterson was down twice in the brilliant first round but he showed more in the second, holding the centre of the ring, though Khan landed the more eye-catching shots.

The Briton docked two points by referee for 'pushing'. He was also docked a point in the seventh round and again in the 12th, without a warning.

Freddie Roach, Khan's coach, said the refree "had acted like a judge in there, rather than a referee".

"I was up against two people in there," said Khan. "He was coming in with his head lower and lower and I was trying to stay away from his head. He was being effective at pressuring. I was the cleaner fighter all night. I'm ready for a rematch, and I'll take it. This is why boxing hasn't been here for 20 years, because you get a decision like this."