King calls for Khan-Barrera rematch

Promoter Don King is calling for a rematch between Amir Khan and Marco Antonio Barrera after claiming the Briton's fifth-round technical decision win on March 14 in Manchester was a "tainted victory".

The fighters clashed heads in the first round but the referee allowed the bout to go on until the fifth before it was deemed the Mexican, who was suffering from a severely cut forehead, was in no position to continue.

As the clash was ruled accidental the fight went to the scorecards, with the classy Khan winning by 50-44 and 50-45 twice. But King said in a statement: "Amir Khan is in possession of a tainted victory."

Had the fight been stopped in the fourth round, it would have been declared a no-result, triggering a rematch.

And Barrera's promoter King, who declined to attend the post-fight press conference, is now insisting the referee and ringside doctors should have acted sooner.

He added: "The referee and doctor should have stopped the fight immediately after that incredible, accidental clash of heads.

"That they allowed the fight to continue with Barrera competing at a huge disadvantage goes against everything that's designed to protect the health and safety of boxers, the good of the sport and uphold the traditions emanating from the Marquis of Queensbury rules."

King is taking his case to the British Boxing Board of Control, World Boxing Organisation and World Boxing Association to get the outcome changed to a no contest.

He added: "Marco Antonio Barrera should not lose any of his position and stature to this travesty of justice.

"He should not be punished for what was beyond his control. He fought like the great Mexican champion he is with valour, courage and honour while those charged with ensuring a level field of competition failed the sport and the fighter greatly."