Boxing: Amir Khan granted rematch by WBA

It seems that a mistake was made in the marking of round seven, in which Khan had a point deducted for pushing (Getty Images)

World Boxing Association vice president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza has confirmed they have granted Amir Khan a rematch against Lamont Peterson.

Richard Schaefer, chief executive of Golden Boy Promotions, reported overnight that the governing body had notified him of their "official decision" to order a rematch following the controversial bout last month and Mendoza confirmed the news this afternoon.

Khan lost both his WBA and IBF titles in a split-decision defeat in Peterson's Washington DC hometown on December 10.

The Englishman has vociferously complained about a number of issues since then, however, and has lobbied both governing bodies - and the Washington DC commission - to change the result to a no-contest and/or force the two men to fight again.

And Mendoza told Press Association Sport today: "I can confirm there we have ordered a direct rematch.

"We will issue a press release very soon."

Schaefer told RingTV he was informed by the body last night.

"I just received, half an hour ago, a letter from the WBA on their official decision that they are going to order an immediate rematch," he said.

"I think that it's the right decision, and I hope that we can get the rematch done."

Schaefer also told espn.com: "I'm thrilled that he's getting (the rematch) and hope we can start the negotiations and get the fight done.

"Amir and Lamont are both terrific young men and athletes who fought their hearts out in Washington in December and I'm sure this decision will get applause by fight fans around the world.

"The rematch will be one of the most anticipate fights of 2012 because both guys are exciting, young and I think it's exactly the kind of fight people want to see."

Khan's advisors initially claimed Peterson's team voluntarily agreed to a rematch in the immediate aftermath of the bout only to apparently change their minds.

And while the WBA have ordered the second fight, Peterson could still opt to relinquish that title rather than give Khan a second chance - particularly if the IBF, at a hearing on January 18, allow him to keep that belt without fighting Khan again.

Peterson's trainer and manager Barry Hunter this week accused Khan of using "foul tactics and false accusations" to discredit the new champion.

Khan has publicly aired several grievances, from referee Joe Cooper's decision to dock the Englishman two points to the judges' decisions and alleged discrepancies with the scorecards.

Khan then reignited the issue last week by questioning the role of the then-unidentified Mustafa Ameen at ringside.

PA