Amir Khan wants WBA-IBF titles back after Peterson’s failed drug test

Las Vegas, NV, United States (AHN Sports) – Former World Boxing Association/International Boxing Federation junior welterweight champion Amir Khan is now working to regain his title belts outside the boxing ring.

Khan has sought the help of Golden Boy Promotions to have his split-decision title loss to Lamont Peterson in December be declared a no-contest and the belts returned, in the wake of the latter’s failed drug test.

Arnold Joseph, legal counsel for Golden Boy, has formally asked Washington D.C. Boxing and Wrestling Commission Deputy Commissioner Alfred Grant to change the fight result to a no-contest.

Joseph also wrote to Daryl Peoples of the IBF and Gilberto Mendoza Jr. of the WBA, the organizations that sanctioned the world title bout on Dec. 10, asking for the titles to be returned to Khan.

On March 19, Peterson failed a random urine test when his sample came back positive for synthetic testosterone, a banned substance. The positive result led to the cancellation of his rematch with Khan scheduled for May 19 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Peterson’s attorney, Jeff Fried, admitted that the boxer took the banned substance but under the supervision of a doctor for medical purposes because he has an abnormally low testosterone level.

The IBF and WBA are now reviewing Khan’s request.

“We are reviewing all of this and we are still in the process of collecting information,” Peoples said. “The IBF has no authority to overturn a decision. I have been in contact with the D.C. commission to see what their position is and they will get back to me.”

“I am still waiting for all reports before issuing a decision in Khan’s case,” Mendoza said.

Khan was initially shocked with Peterson’s positive result, but added that “the truth has come out and it just proves that Lamont a cheat really”.

Khan will meet with Golden Boy Promotions to map out plans for his next bout, which is expected to happen in June.

‘The next fight for me will be June, July. I’ve got a meeting with Golden Boy Promotions over the next few days and hopefully we’ll set a date,” he said.

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