The WBA has handed Amir Khan an “immediate rematch” with Lamont Peterson following the Briton’s controversial loss to the American.

Khan lost a spilt decision – as well as his WBA and IBF light-welterweight titles – to Peterson in Washington in December.

However, the fight was dogged in controversy with Khan docked two points for pushing while a “mystery man” – later identified to be Mustafa Ameen – was seen at ringside ap-pearing to handle scorecards.

Khan also claims he was told he had won the fight only for Peterson to be awarded the decision after a long wait for the result.

Khan’s promotional team Golden Boy had appealed the decision to both the WBA and IBF – wanting the bout to be declared a “no-contest” and for a rematch to be ordered.

The WBA have made the first move by agreeing to a rematch, with the IBF – to whom Ameen is affiliated – likely to make a similar decision next week.