• Amir Khan controversy

Khan 'mystery man' breaks his silence

ESPN staff
January 9, 2012

Mustafa Ameen, the 'mystery man' accused by Amir Khan of interfering with the judges during his fight with Lamont Peterson, says he would never do anything to harm Khan.

Khan lost his WBA and IBF light-welterweight tiles to Peterson on a contentious split decision last month, and opted to appeal the result - initially because of the performance of the referee, who took two points from him for pushing. Khan was also riled by the judges' verdict being read out ten minutes after the final bell sounded.

Ameen was subsequently pictured talking to WBA supervisor Michael Welsh whilst the bout was on, which further aroused Khan's suspicion. There is some disagreement over Ameen's role in the sport: Freddie Roach, Khan's trainer, says Ameen is not a member of any boxing organisation; Richard Schaefer, CEO of Khan's promoters, says he is involved with the IBF.

Ameen has been told to refrain from speaking to the press until after the IBF investigation into the matter, but he wrote on Facebook: "So you are questioning if I did something to harm my Muslim brother [Khan]? May almighty Allah protect me from what you and the rest of you assert. Don't make assumptions based on allegations."

The IBF has confirmed that Ameen will give his side of the story at the appeal hearing on January 18 in New York. "It is something we will address at the hearing," Jeanette Salazar, public relations director for the IBF, told the Telegraph. "Until then, the individual has been asked not to speak publicly to the media."

A rematch between Khan and Peterson still looks likely - although reports suggest Peterson would prefer to face Manny Pacquiao next.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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