Khan rematch in doubt as Peterson fails drugs test

The duo are due to meet for a second time on May 19 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas after the WBA ordered a rematch after Peterson defeated Khan in controversial circumstances to win the WBA and IBF light-welterweight titles by split decision on December 10.

But the second bout now looks to be in doubt after Peterson, who along with Khan agreed to be randomly drug tested for blood and urine by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) ahead of the clash, reportedly gave a urine sample on March 19 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 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."

Khan's business manager Asif Vali, 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 would still take place, he 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."