By Terence Dooley

Editor's Note: The WBA has since denied the information circulated by Khan, and stand firm that Peterson is still the WBA's super champion at 140-pounds.

Amir Khan (26-2, 18KOs) has been given a lift ahead of his May 19 rematch with Lamont Peterson, who beat Khan on points in December to capture the WBA/IBF junior welterweight titles. For reasons unknown, the WBA has re-instated 'King' Khan as their WBA 'super' champion over the weekend. The move by the sanctioning body leaves more questions than answers.

Peterson won a twelve round decision, and there was a lot of controversy over the referee's conduct and allegations of interference with the ringside judges. Because of the controversy, the WBA ordered an immediate rematch. After weeks of negotiations, the two sides agreed to their scheduled May date.

Now comes the latest news that the WBA returned Khan's title before the two fighters even step in the ring. Khan's handlers had tried to overturn the decision by claiming that Mustafa Ameen, a known WBA associate, was distracting the officials at ringside.

This development has now turned the Peterson-Khan rematch into an unlikely unification fight. Peterson still holds the IBf crown and Khan will now defend his WBA 'super' title come fight night.

"I'm delighted," said Khan when speaking to The Mail online. "This is great news and a real boost for me coming into the return."

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