LOS ANGELES - Former light- welterweight world champion Amir Khan has withdrawn an appeal against last month's controversial loss to Lamont Peterson.

The appeal was supposed to be heard yesterday by the International Boxing Federation (IBF), one of two governing boxing bodies that sanctioned the world title fight in Washington DC on December 10, the other being the World Boxing Association (WBA).

Peterson won the fight on a split decision against Khan to claim the IBF and WBA belts. The WBA ordered a rematch on January 12 after Khan complained of unfair judging.

"Team Khan have decided to withdraw their appeal and focus their full attention on Amir's next fight," Khan's promoter Golden Boy Promotions said. "We are pleased to have been vindicated by the WBA's recent decision to mandate an immediate rematch."

The withdrawal of the appeal means Peterson will keep the IBF title. But he could be stripped of the WBA belt if he declines a rematch with Khan.