Peterson fails drugs test to cast doubt over Khan rematch

Amir Khan’s rematch with WBA and IBF light welterweight champion Lamont Peterson has been thrown into jeopardy after the American failed a drugs test.

The pair are due to meet again on 19 May at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas after the WBA ordered a rematch following Peterson’s controversial victory over the Briton in Washington last December, citing “multiple irregularities”.

However, it is now uncertain as to whether or not the fight will go ahead after Peterson reportedly tested positive for synthetic testosterone in a random test carried out by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada), a program that both fighters agreed to.

Peterson’s attorney, Jeff Fried, released a statement on Monday, saying: “We have tremendous respect for Vada and its mission. Lamont, [his manager] Barry [Hunter] and the entire team emphatically support random drug testing in the most comprehensive manner possible.

“We are working expeditiously with a team of pathologists and other medical specialists to confirm the origin of the test result and in full compliance with the rules of the Nevada State Athletic Commission.”

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Khan’s business manager, Asif Vali said: “It was a shock when I received the call to say Lamont had failed a drug test.

“However, the Peterson team seem to think that something’s gone wrong during the very first Vada drug test which Lamont took in March.

“Their explanation is that it’s something he took earlier on in the year – before the last fight.

“The fight’s on. The Nevada State Athletic Commission will come back to us with their findings. That decision is due to come to us by the end of play on Tuesday.”

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