By William Mackay: Lamont Peterson (30-1-1, 15 KO’s) will get to keep his IBF light welterweight title after the International Boxing Federation ruled in his favor to allow Peterson to keep his IBF strap after he tested positive for synthetic testosterone during a drug test last March. Peterson says he was taking the banned substance under the care of medical doctor to treat his low natural testosterone that his body produces.

In addition to being allowed to keep his IBF belt, Peterson will now have to face #1 IBF Zab Judah (42-7, 29 KO’s) next in his first title defense. Peterson was previously supposed to have fought a rematch against Amir Khan, who he beat last December by a 12 round decision. However, Peterson tested positive during a random drug test conducted by the Voluntary Anti-doping Association (VADA) as part of the testing that he and Khan had agreed upon to monitor them while they got ready for their rematch. Shortly thereafter, the Khan-Peterson II rematch was called off, and Khan moved on and faced WBC light welterweight champion Danny Garcia instead. Shockingly, Khan was blown out by Garcia in a 4th round TKO.

Peterson was stripped of his WBA light welterweight title by the World Boxing Association after they learned of his positive test for testosterone. The WBA belt was one of the two titles that Peterson captured from Khan in his victory last December. According to RingTV, Peterson has been declared the “Champion in Recess” by the WBA, meaning that he could eventually be allowed to fight for the title against current champion Danny Garcia at some point in the future.

Peterson still has to meet with the Nevada State Athletic Commission to discuss his positive test results. Peterson will obviously need to have all his doctor’s medical treatment information on his testosterone therapy ready for when he does meet with the Commission.

Judah recently defeated previously unbeaten light welterweight contender Vernon Paris by a 9th round TKO last March to get the #1 spot by the IBF. Judah fought much better than he did in his previous bout against Khan, a fight in which Judah was taken out in the 5th in a one-sided fight last year in July.

Peterson-Judah will be a great fight if it can be made. Peterson will have to be able to get licensed before that can happen, but if so it should be an intriguing bout between these two guys.