The World Boxing Association has confirmed it has ordered a rematch between Amir Khan and Lamont Peterson.

Khan lost his WBA and IBF titles to Peterson in December and has questioned a number of aspects of the fight.

And WBA vice-president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza said: “I can confirm we have ordered a direct rematch.”

Khan’s promoter Richard Schaefer earlier revealed he had received a letter from the WBA notifying him of their decision.

Schaefer, chief executive of Golden Boy Promotions, told ESPN: “I’m thrilled that he’s getting [the rematch] and hope we can start the negotiations and get the fight done.

“Amir and Lamont are both terrific young men and athletes who fought their hearts out in Washington in December and I’m sure this decision will get applause by fight fans around the world.business manager

“The rematch will be one of the most anticipated fights of 2012 because both guys are exciting, young and I think it’s exactly the kind of fight people want to see.”

Peterson could though relinquish the WBA title by opting not to have a rematch.

Khan alleges that WBA official Michael Welsh suffered interference at ringside during the fight from ‘mystery man’ Mustafa Ameen.

A hearing has been scheduled in Newark, New Jersey, on 18 January, but the IBF does not know if Welsh will attend.

Asif Vali, Khan’s business manager, remains convinced that no matter who attends the hearing the IBF should also order a rematch.

“We’re not saying something happened, we’re not saying something didn’t happen” said Vali.

“Mustafa Ameen will explain himself at the hearing and it will be interesting to hear what he says.

“Ultimately, one organisation [the WBA] have ordered a rematch because they feel some irregularities have happened on the evidence of what we’ve supplied them.

“If the WBA are [offering a rematch] then the IBF should do it as well.”

Khan’s camp launched the appeal with the IBF in December principally on the grounds of “miscalculation of the scoring” and “inappropriate conduct by officials”.

Since then Khan has used his Twitter account and television interviews to allege interference with the scoring of the bout by Ameen.

After some initial confusion the IBF have confirmed that Ameen is neither employed by them nor an official but does participate in one of their “outreach” programmes.

They also admit they requested fight credentials for Ameen from the local boxing commission.

Jack Reiss of California, Sam Viruet of New York – who are both referees – and Glenn Feldman, a boxing judge from Connecticut, will conduct the hearing.

Feldman notably officiated in Khan’s title fight against Paulie Malignaggi in New York’s Madison Square Garden in May 2010 which Khan won after stopping his opponent in the 11th round.

The panel will have up to ten days to deliver judgement and, if they allow Peterson to keep the IBF belt, a rematch is less likely.

Khan’s trainer, Freddie Roach, is on record as believing that the fight should be declared a no-contest and a rematch ordered.

Such a move would see Khan’s world titles returned to him.