Amir Khan has lost his IBF and WBA world light-welterweight titles after succumbing to a split decision loss to Lamont Peterson.

One judge scored the bout 114-111 in favour of Khan, but two other judges both scored for Peterson 112-113.

The loss is only the second of Khan’s professional career but one that derails his immediate ambitions of lucrative showdowns with some top welterweight fighters including Andre Berto, Victor Ortiz and Floyd Mayweather.

It was a frustrating night for Khan, who was deducted two points for pushing, but he failed to adapt to Peterson whose aggression was the key to his victory.

Peterson was the hometown hero in Washington DC and had all the heart and determination required to achieve his dream of becoming a world champion. A first round knockdown failed to faze the 27-year-old, who came back stronger in the second and really made his mark on the fight.

Khan was on the outside throughout the fight while Peterson stalked him, nullifying his slick boxing skills and forcing him into a brawl. Peterson took control and while Khan had his share of rounds, even fighting according to Peterson’s rules, he failed to take control to any extent as we are so used to seeing him.

A confident, cocky Khan, full of bravado and showmanship, stood in front of Peterson and took his best shots. He was rocked more than once by Peterson’s power but deemed it necessary to continue such an approach. He may have survived each onslaught but Khan slipped in the judges cards by such needless displays.

Two points deductions for pushing, although his holding of Peterson’s head may have been a more appropriate reason for punishment, made all the difference as he lost by only one point on two of the judges cards.

Peterson was the hero on the night and deservedly so. He fought bravely through a knockdown and exhaustion against a quicker and sharper opponent. He had the correct tactics for Khan, but a shadow will remain over his victory for the sole reason that Khan seemed to be throwing his belts away.

Peterson agreed to a rematch immediately after the fight while Khan complained of a hometown decision. Peterson certainly upset Golden Boy Promotions’ plans for Khan while entertaining and enthralling those watching with a great display of pure grit and will in what was a gruelling battle.