• Amir Khan controversy

Peterson's trainer slams Khan for being sore loser

ESPN staff
January 11, 2012

Lamont Peterson's trainer Barry Hunter has slammed Amir Khan for not taking his defeat like a man, while insisting the American's team will fight any efforts to overturn Peterson's triumph.

Khan surrendered his WBA and IBF light-welterweight titles when falling to a split decision loss at the hands of Peterson in Washington DC last month. However, a disgruntled Khan has disputed the result, and the way in which the bout was scored by the ringside judges, ever since the final bell rang and an appeal - launched by the Briton's camp - will be heard on January 18.

The fallout from Khan's loss to Peterson has continued in recent days, with the former champion questioning why 'mystery man' Mustafa Ameen was present at ringside and seen handling the scorecards. Having also complained about the referee deducting him two points for pushing during the contest, the Brit is failing to portray himself as a gracious loser, and Hunter has been angered by his persistent protests.

"We will not let these foul tactics take away from Lamont's hard work and monumental victory," Hunter said in a statement. "Khan blames everyone and everything but his performance and lack of ability to make adjustments in the ring for his loss.

"Each claim is boldly false, but because Golden Boy [Khan's promoters] and Khan have the financial resources to file protests and lawyers to create questionable accusations we are forced to address these issues.

"It would be an understatement to characterise Lamont as being disappointed in the unprofessional manner in which Khan is attempting to discredit his performance in the ring and victory.

"We were raised to conduct ourselves where champions display professionalism, both in victory and defeat. Lamont previously tasted defeat and handled it the way it should be handled - he worked harder on areas that needed improvement to maximise his performance in the ring. Now, he is world champion."

The IBF has confirmed Ameen is not an official of the organisation, but a community worker who helps educate retired boxers, and Hunter is adamant the 'mystery man' is not connected with Peterson or his team.

"Since Khan continues to focus on a man at ringside I want to be very clear - Mustafa Ameen is in no way, nor has he ever been affiliated or associated with anyone within Team Peterson. That includes myself, Lamont and Anthony Peterson [Lamont's brother and fellow boxer]," he said.

In the immediate aftermath of his win, Peterson said he would be willing to offer Khan a rematch. However, this has not been forthcoming, with Peterson's team turning down an official request, and Hunter says this is clearly behind Khan's grievances.

"The bottom line is that after we decided not to accept Golden Boy's [Khan's promoters] offer for a rematch only days after the fight... they started filing protest letters and trying to spin the media as some form of retaliation," he said. "If the media reports are true, then the actions of a few will put every close decision in boxing in jeopardy of being overturned. We will not let that happen.

"We will continue to fight for what is just and proper."

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