One British tabloid is reporting that the rematch between IBF/WBA Junior Welterweight champion Lamont Peterson and former champion Amir Khan slated for Saturday, May 19 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas is “on the brink of being called off.” The Sun newspaper is not giving a reason as to why the bout may be cancelled but quotes a source close to the Khan camp as saying “everything is up in the air and Amir is just hoping it can be resolved as he knew he was going to regain his belts in spectacular fashion.”
There is another report that Peterson may have failed a recent drug test and that may be the reason for the pending cancellation. According to ESPN.com, an attorney for Peterson is saying that he tested positive for a “
substance.” We will keep you posted as the Peterson team tries to confirm the findings.
The following is a statement from Andre Johnson, a spokesperson for the Peterson camp:
“We have tremendous respect for VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency) and its mission. Lamont, Barry 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 Nevada State Athletic Commission.
“Lamont has never had a positive drug test either before or after this isolated occurrence and we plan to submit the medical findings by close of business Tuesday reflecting the actual facts in support of Lamont’s good faith intentions and the requirements of the commission.”