Amir Khan Should Move Up to 147, Not Look for Rematch with Lamont Peterson

In the wake of Amir Khan's controversial loss to Lamont Peterson, many observers have called for an immediate rematch to take place. It has been reported in The Ring today that Khan's camp have offered Peterson $1 million to get it on again.

However, this is the last thing that Khan should be thinking of.

The fight may go down as a loss on his record, but nearly all observers know that if not for some strange refereeing decisions, Khan would have won against a game Peterson and then would have moved up to welterweight to attempt to challenge Floyd Mayweather.

The version of Khan that fought Peterson has little chance of beating Mayweather, but there are other fights to go after at 147 pounds.

Fight and beat Peterson in a rematch and where would that leave Khan?

Exactly where he was in the first place. He would beat Peterson and then be looking to move up to welterweight.

By moving up now, Khan would bypass a relatively pointless fight.

If Khan feels that his career has been derailed somewhat by this loss, then beating Peterson would not be the only way to get back on the tracks. A move up in weight opens up the possibilities of fights that could be just as exciting as a Peterson rematch.

An all British clash with Kell Brook could be a huge event if promoted correctly. If Khan would rather stay in America, then the winner of Victor Ortiz-Andre Berto II could await Khan.

A big name victory over Shane Mosley perhaps?

Or a fight with up-and-coming Mike Jones?

Or the worst case scenario for Khan could happen, and he could lose a rematch with Peterson. This would leave him in the wilderness at 140 pounds. If he would then decide to move up, he could struggle to find fights.

Stay at 140 pounds and his career would be truly stagnant. He would have to spend a year at least rebuilding to position himself for another title fight.

Sure, if he beats Peterson it would set the record straight and bolster his pride. Beyond that though, it really does nothing for his career.

A rematch with Peterson does have its advantages— most keenly for the fans. The first fight was hugely entertaining and another tear up could be exciting. However, just because one fight is exciting doesn't guarantee that another will be.

Khan's reputation has not really been hurt by this loss. Nearly all fighters lose and in the manner that Khan lost, does anyone care?

This is no Breidis Prescott loss.

In the Peterson fight, from the pre-fight instructions onwards, the referee had the air of a man who wanted to be noticed.

By the end of the night he made sure he was.

Meanwhile, Peterson is the new champ at 140 pounds and should enjoy that. A rematch with Khan may make him rich, but he would be favoured to lose. Peterson deserves a fairly easy defense in front of his fans, against someone like a Jessie Vargas or a Humberto Soto possibly.

Then, he could decide to chase the big names such as Tim Bradley or Khan. By taking on Khan straight away he may never get to feel gold around his waist again.

Should Khan finish his business with Peterson at 140 pounds? Or do possible fights at 147 pounds make more sense? Comment below.