Peterson vs. Khan: Positive Test Forces Cancellation of Rematch

Amir Khan will have the opportunity to regain the WBA (Super) and IBF Light Welterweight titles that once belonged to him, just not against Lamont Peterson.

According to ESPN boxing buff Dan Rafael, Peterson has officially been pulled from the rematch after testing positive in March for a banned substance believed to be synthetic testosterone.

"

Peterson-Khan 2 has officially been canceled, according to Richard Schaefer. #boxing @HBOboxing @GoldenBoyBoxing @AmirKingKhan @kingpete26

— Dan Rafael (@danrafaelespn) May 9, 2012"

The failed drug test prompted the Nevada Athletic Commission to deny Peterson the boxing license he needed for the fight against Khan, which was slated for May 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Golden Boy Promotions, which represents Peterson, will not seek a special appeals hearing on the matter.

As a result, Khan has postponed his return to the ring until June 30, for which he has yet to determine an opponent.

"

The fight is off! sorry everyone the only person to blame is @kingpete26 I'll be looking for a opponent to fight June 30th

— Amir Khan (@AmirKingKhan) May 9, 2012"

Khan lost his belts to Peterson by split decision in Washington, D.C. Back in December. The Guardian reported that Peterson tested positive for elevated testosterone levels before that fight as well.

Peterson's camp claims that the failed tests were the result of soy pellet injections intended as treatment for the fighter's abnormally low testosterone levels and the resulting physical and mental fatigue.

Jeff Fried, Peterson's lawyer, suggested that his client "inadvertently" forgot to include any mention of the treatment on his application to the Nevada commission and the Volunteer Anti-Doping Agency (VADA).

This, despite the drug tests coming at Peterson's own behest.

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