By Scott Gilfoid: According to the LA Times, IBF/WBA light welterweight champion Lamont Peterson was using the testosterone pellets in which he tested positive for on a drug test to treat testosterone deficiency. In other words, it was for legitimate reasons under a doctor’s supervision.

This is perfectly allowable whether boxing fans want to agree to it or not. A fighter can seek treatment for low testosterone and still continue their boxing career. The only thing that’s up for debate is whether Peterson informed the testing agency VADA ahead of time about him being under treatment with the testosterone. There’s some disagreement on this. If Peterson did inform the VADA about it and they failed to document it then obviously this will hurt Peterson, because it’ll end up being his word against the VADA. It’s obvious that the Nevada State Athletic Commission, who will be ruling on whether Peterson will be able to get his license to fight Amir Khan on May 19th, will likely rule against Peterson getting his license.

Peterson has given his medical documentation to the Commission proving that he was under treatment for the testosterone problem. The Commission will then have to decide on whether to penalize Peterson for the information not being being passed on to the VADA or not. The bad thing about this is if Peterson did in fact tell the VADA about the problem and they failed to document it then that’s pretty disappointing for Peterson.

My take on this is that since it’s a legitimate reason for Peterson to be taking the testosterone then there’s no reason to not let the fight go forward. The man has a medical problem, so why should he be penalized for it. If he failed to inform the VADA, which is still unknown, then it still shouldn’t matter as long as it can be proven that Peterson is under medical treatment for a legitimate problem. Not letting Peterson have his license will hurt boxing by having the Khan-Peterson II rematch cancelled. I say the Commission should allow Peterson to be licensed for the good of boxing.