• Amir Khan v Lamont Peterson

Peterson v Khan bout in hands of NSAC - Schaefer

Lamont Peterson v Amir Khan is scheduled for May 19 © Getty Images

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Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, issued a statement on Tuesday regarding the scheduled world title bout between Lamont Peterson and Amir Khan, which remains in doubt after Peterson delivered a positive drug test.

Schaefer confirmed on Tuesday evening that the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) informed the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) that WBA super-lightweight champion Peterson had tested positive for a substance consistent with a steroid. Schaefer also confirmed that both A and B samples were positive.

It is now the job of the NSAC to determine whether the fight will go ahead. That decision will be made after Team Peterson is given a chance to explain the unexpected test results.

"Peterson's legal representatives will be submitting their paperwork to the Nevada Commission today, explaining themselves and why there was a substance [in Peterson's urine]," Schaefer said. "Based on those statements from Peterson, the Nevada Commission will rule on if in fact there will be a fight or not.

"I assume we will know by tomorrow [Wednesday]. Amir is obviously fully aware of the situation. He is very disappointed but he is going to follow whatever the Nevada Commission is going to rule, and that's where we stand."

Khan suffered a controversial loss to Peterson in Washington last year, after which the Briton's camp demanded a rematch. The two boxers agreed to meet on May 19 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, but it remains unclear if the rematch will go ahead.

Schaefer expressed anger over the late notice he was given regarding the positive test, with Peterson's camp having been informed of the findings from the 'A' sample on April 13, with the 'B' result following some weeks later.

Schaefer said: "I got a call from the executive director of the Nevada State Commission who informed us he had seen a letter from VADA which confirmed Lamont Peterson has tested positive for a substance consistent with the administration of a steroid.

"A urine specimen was taken from both fighters on March 19 in an unannounced test following the press conference in Los Angeles. The first results of Lamont Peterson's sample were reported to VADA by the lab on April 12. VADA informed Peterson on April 13. Why we were not informed is a mystery to me.

"The process of examining the B sample began at the lab on April 30 - why it took from April 13 to April 30 to test the B sample is again a mystery to me - if I'd been informed I would have asked for expedited testing.

"The results of the B sample confirmed the analytical results of the A sample, so basically both the A and B samples show the athlete's specimen is consistent with the administration of an anabolic steroid such as testosterone.

"The letter says follow-up samples taken on April 13 came back negative on May 2, so while the first ones were positive, the second were negative. It is important the Nevada Commission looks at the facts and makes an appropriate ruling."

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