By John F. McKenna (McJack): In a move that was expected after IBF/WBA light welterweight champion Lamont Peterson (30-1-1, 15 KO’s) tested positive for an illegal substance his rematch with former champion Amir Khan (26-2, 18 KO’s) has been cancelled. The rematch was scheduled to take place on May 19 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Most troubling was that Peterson tested positive on two separate occasions and Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer was not made aware of the failed test until Monday morning. Lamont acknowledged that he took testosterone pellets prior to his fight with Khan last December although when he showed up positive for the first test he denied having ever used any illegal or barred substances.

The results of the first test were not revealed in the hope that a second test would come up clean. However, the second test also came up dirty. It was at that point Peterson claims, that his memory was jogged and he recalled being given the testosterone pellets by a doctor last October for an extremely low testosterone level in his body. That would place Lamont’s illegal use of testosterone before his fight with Khan.

The Voluntary Anti Doping Association (VADA) reported the findings of the first sample on April 13. The process of running the second sample began on April 30 in the presence of representatives of Peterson. The results for the 2nd sample were received by VADA on May 3 and confirmed the findings of the first sample.

The results of the second failed test forced the cancellation of the fight and left HBO, the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino as well as the promoters holding the bag. At this late date there is little time to locate a viable opponent for Khan. It goes without saying that the parties involved have invested a substantial amount of time and money in putting the Peterson – Khan match together.

It is not known at this point what action will be taken against Peterson. Some boxing pundits are calling for the IBF and WBA to strip Lamont of his titles and to declare his December fight against Khan a “no contest”. Khan’s promoter Golden Boy Promotions exerts much influence in boxing and is sure to weigh in on yet another controversy surrounding Lamont Peterson.