Khan-Peterson II Still On…For Now, Says Schaefer

The Lamont Peterson-Amir Khan rematch is up in the air, according to Khan promoter Golden Boy, as GB's chief Richard Schaefer said on a Tuesday conference call with media that he was made aware via a letter sent to VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association) this weekend that Peterson had tested positive for a substance pointing to the presence of an anabolic steroid, such as synthetic testosterone.

The rematch is set for May 19 in Las Vegas, and Schaefer said Khan is continuing to train, while Team Peterson has promised to provide an explanation why an 'A' and 'B' sample taken on March 19 both tested positive. That explanation will be furnished to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which will then rule, within the next two days, Schaefer thinks, on whether the fight can proceed. Khan lost his WBA and IBF junior welterweight belts to Peterson (split decision, after two points were taken from the Brit for pushing) when they clashed in DC, Peterson's home turf, on December 10, 2011.

Schaefer admitted he was miffed that the news of the positive test was furnished to Keith Kizer, head of the Nevada Commission, and counsel for VADA and Peterson, and not him. That positive result of the 'A' sample, he said, was shared to VADA on April 12 and Peterson the next day. Why word didn't come out to the Khan-Golden Boy crew till yesterday is a mystery to him, he said. Peterson was given the option to have his 'B' sample tested, with a rep present, and he did; that test took place on April 30. As noted before, the 'B' sample also tested positive. Again, Schaefer expressed dismay that there was a lengthy lag time between the notification, and the administration of the 'B' sample test. “I would have asked for an expedited test,” he said, the implication being that the fight is just 11 days away, and this situation should have been clarified ASAP.

Schaefer said that another sample was taken from Peterson, on April 13. That test was negative, and was reported to the involved parties on May 2.

Khan is proceeding as if the fight will go forward, and Schaefer said he will abide by the Commission ruling.

After the call, Ring's Lem Satterfield spoke to Keith Kizer. Kizer told him that a Peterson attorney told the commissioner that the fighter tested positive for using testosterone pellets. He used them prior to the December fight, as well, Kizer said. Using that performance enhancer could be enough to overturn the decision win in that first contest, he stated.

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