• Amir Khan v Lamont Peterson

Khan's fight with Peterson in doubt

Amir Khan was beaten by Lamont Peterson in December © Getty Images

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Amir Khan's rematch with Lamont Peterson has been plunged into doubt after the American reportedly tested positive for a banned substance.

Khan suffered a controversial loss to Peterson in Washington last year, after which the Briton's camp demanded a rematch.

The two boxers put their names on a contract to meet on May 19 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, but there is doubt as to whether it will take place after Peterson reportedly gave a urine sample in March which tested positive for synthetic testosterone.

Peterson's publicist Andre Johnson issued a statement to RingTV.com on behalf of the fighter and his manager Barry Hunter, which read: "We have tremendous respect for VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association) 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 rules of the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

"Lamont has never had a positive test either before or after this isolated occurrence, and we plan to submit 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."

Asif Vali, Khan's business manager, told Sky Sports News: "Obviously last night 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."

Asked whether the fight was on or off, Vali said: "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."

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