AMIR Khan looks set to press ahead with plans for a summer unification bout after rejecting pleas for a rematch following a controversial end to his world title defence against Paul McCloskey.
Khan retained his WBA light welterweight title via a technical decision after the ringside doctor advised referee Luis Pabon midway through the sixth round that McCloskey was unable to continue because of a cut above the eye.
The Bolton boxer was awarded all six rounds on each of the three judges’ scorecards – but McCloskey’s camp complained that the cut did not merit a stoppage and insisted their fighter could have turned the bout around, with promoter Barry Hearn having to be held back as he launched a furious tirade at the referee.
Hearn described the cut, which was caused by a clash of heads, as ‘almost non-existent’ and called the decision ‘an embarrassment’, demanding that Khan give Ulsterman McCloskey a rematch.
Khan is likely to move ahead with plans for a unification clash with WBC and WBO champion Tim Bradley – with the bout expected to take place in Las Vegas on July 23.
“He didn’t win one round,” said Khan. “I was hurting him, I wasn’t tired, and if it had gone two more rounds he would have been knocked out.”
McCloskey was furious and raged: “I’ve been waiting for this fight my whole life and it has been taken away from me by a doctor. My corner were not even given a chance to work on it. I’m shocked and I am numb. It’s ridiculous.”
There was also defeat for Darwen’s Dezzi Higginson as he stepped into the ring on the biggest stage of his career.
The 28-year-old lightweight was beaten by Irish lightweight Andy Murray, who extended his unblemished record to 24 fights thanks to taking the decision after eight rounds.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here