Peterson coach slams ‘foul tactics’

Khan’s camp are appealing the decision and have questioned the role of a ‘mystery man’ at the ringside [GETTY]

Lamont Peterson’s camp accused Amir Khan of “foul tactics” in the wake of their light-welterweight title fight, criticising the British boxer for being a bad loser and discrediting the American’s victory to cover up his own inadequacies.

Khan lost his IBF and WBA belts to Peterson on a split decision after being docked two points for pushing in the December 10 fight in Washington.

Having launched an appeal against the loss, which will be heard by the IBF on January 18, Khan also questioned the presence of a “mystery man” at ringside who appears to interfere with judges and lean over WBA supervisor Michael Welsh.

‘Unprofessional’

In a statement released on Wednesday, Barry Hunter, who is Peterson’s trainer and manager, said his fighter is disappointed with the “unprofessional manner” of Khan’s complaints.

“Khan blames everyone and everything but his performance and lack of ability to make adjustments in the ring for his loss,” Hunter said.

“He claims that the ring announcer privately stated he won, then that the referee’s discretionary actions should be overruled, then a mystery man in a black hat with no association to the Peterson camp somehow affected the outcome of the bout, and also that the judges did not score the bout correctly. Each claim is boldly false.

“We will not let these foul tactics take away from Lamont’s hard work, dedication and monumental victory.”

At first reticent to comment about the “mystery man,” the IBF released a statement on Wednesday identifying him as Mustafa Ameen, who participates in unpaid voluntary work with its program for retired fighters.

The governing body said Ameen had no business being at ringside during the fight and confirmed he will be present at the hearing “to explain his actions and what transpired during the bout between him and Mr. Welsh.”

‘No association’

Khan cited footage which showed Ameen next to Peterson and his team as they celebrated the victory in the ring after the fight.

“Mustafa Ameen is in no way, nor has he ever been, affiliated or associated with anyone within Team Peterson,” Hunter said.

Accusing Khan of failing to act like a “real champion,” Hunter said the Englishman’s continued protests were damaging the sport.

“If the media reports are true, then the actions of a few will put every close decision in boxing in jeopardy of being overturned,” Hunter said.

“We will not let that happen. We will continue to fight for what is just and proper.”

WBA vice president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza told the BBC and Sky Sports last week that he would be in favour of a rematch because “there were a lot of things that make this fight controversial.”

These comments were also criticised by Hunter.

“This was oddly stated before an official review had taken place, as well as an official response or decision from the WBA review committee had been presented regarding the various protests and our formal submission,” Hunter said.