• Amir Khan v Lamont Peterson

'Shocked' Khan labels Peterson a 'cheat'

Amir Khan hopes the pain of December's defeat to Lamont Peterson will be officially wiped from his record © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Khan: Peterson should be banned for life
  
• News: I'm no cheat, pellets didn't alter performance - Peterson
  
• Features: Peterson drama quickens Khan's route to Mayweather
  
• News: Khan can beat 'slowing' Floyd this year - Roach
  
• News: Khan hopeful of getting belts back
  
• News: Khan's fight with Peterson called off
  
• News: Peterson branded 'laughable' by Golden Boy chief
  
• Profile: Amir Khan

Amir Khan labelled Lamont Peterson a "cheat" and revealed he expects to get his world titles back after Thursday's news that his fight with the American is off due to Peterson's failed drug test.

Khan and Peterson had been preparing for a May 19 rematch, after the Brit had lost his WBA and IBF light-welterweight titles in December. However, Golden Boy Promotions confirmed that the bout will not go ahead, with the Nevada State Athletic Commission unable to hold a hearing with Peterson over his positive test until four days before the scheduled contest.

"It's a big shock for me. My head is all over the place," Khan told Sky Sports News. "I really wanted to win my titles back and have the fight.

"But the truth has come out and it proves that Lamont Peterson is a cheat.

"It hurt me more than anything because I really wanted to go in there and show the world how good Amir Khan is."

Khan's initial loss to Peterson was already shrouded in controversy after he was docked two points for pushing the hometown fighter. There was also questions raised over alterations made to the scorecards, but now Peterson faces the possibility of having that win ruled a "no-contest", something Khan expects to happen.

"The next time I fight, world titles will be on the line, either vacant or we might get the titles back. The last fight might be ruled a no-contest.

"I'll be looking at fighting June 30th, I'm in great shape now, I'm already around weight, I'm in the best shape I've ever been in. I even wanted this fight when I heard he failed a drug test. I tried to get the fight on, but my parents and team told me it was a risk to my life. It wouldn't be fair to fight someone who is cheating.

"Hopefully we can set a date for my next fight in the next couple of days."

Peterson's camp and publicist maintain the American is innocent and have vowed to prove it in the forthcoming weeks.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.