Amir Khan has made a mega- money offer to Lamont Peterson to give him the chance to win back his world titles.

But the former double light-welterweight champion has risked missing out on a rematch altogether after dropping his appeal with the IBF over his controversial points defeat last month.

And last night Peterson launched his own appeal into the WBA’s decision to order an immediate rematch between the two – which is the clearest indication yet that he will try to avoid his Bolton rival.

Khan has fiercely contested the split decision verdict that saw him relinquish his titles in Washington.

He is desperate to avenge that defeat and has put his money where his mouth is by offering Peterson a 50-50 split of the worldwide revenues of any rematch. That includes money made in the UK.

The WBA have already ordered the pair to fight again following Khan’s appeal, which centered around the performance of referee Joe Cooper, the mysterious presence of ‘man in the hat’ Mustafa Ameen at ringside and an altered scorecard.

Yesterday Ameen broke the silence he has maintained during the furore that has followed the December 10 bout, insisting he was assisting WBS supervisor Michael Welsh in correcting a mistake on the scorecard.

“I noticed one error and a subsequent error,” he said. “I assisted him in correcting it without touching anything.”

Khan was due to attend an IBF hearing in New Jersey yesterday – but promoters Golden Boy withdrew their appeal at the 11th hour because they feared the process would be unbalanced with neither Welsh nor Cooper set to take part.

Khan still hopes Peterson will stand by the vow he made in the immediate aftermath of their fight and grant him the chance to reclaim his titles.

But the fact that the American is not obliged to defend his IBF crown against the Brit means he would be free to vacate the WBA belt while still retaining a world title. Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather have both been mooted as potential opposition for Peterson, who could decide to take a pound-for-pound clash, rather than face Khan again.

That is why Golden Boy have put together such a huge financial incentive to tempt him into a deal.

In a statement they said:  “Golden Boy Promotions and Team Khan would agree to a 50-50 split of worldwide revenues derived from a rematch should Mr Peterson agree to participate.”

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