Khan's title rematch with Peterson hangs in the balance after American fails drug test

London, May 8(ANI): Bolton-based boxer Amir Khan's title rematch against WBA and IBF light-welterweight champion Lamont Peterson has been thrown into doubt after the American tested positive for a banned synthetic testosterone on March 19.

The question, which has now come up, is why the test had been kept quiet until now.

Ironically, it was Peterson who had called for random drug testing of Khan preceding to their 'controversial' double-belt world title contest in Washington D.C. on December 10.

A rematch is planned for ten days' time at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, the WBA having ordered a rematch after Peterson defeated Khan in contentious conditions to win the WBA and IBF light-welterweight titles by split decision.

Both fighters agreed to random drug tested for both blood and urine by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) ahead of the clash, and reportedly gave a urine sample on March 19, which tested positive for synthetic testosterone.

"We have tremendous respect for VADA and its mission. Lamont, Barry and the entire team emphatically support random drug testing in the most comprehensive manner possible," The Telegraph quoted Peterson's publicist Andre Johnson, as saying on his behalf.

"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," he added.

Asif Vali, Khan's business manager said they were shocked to hear the news but the match for now is on.

"The fight's on. Obviously the Nevada Commission will come back to us with their findings. They'll look at things quite in depth before they make a final decision. That decision's due to come to us by the end of play on Tuesday," said Vali. (ANI)