LOS ANGELES - The much-anticipated rematch between Lamont Peterson and British boxer Amir Khan has been cancelled after the American failed a drug test, Golden Boy Promotions announced on Wednesday.
Peterson and Khan had been due to fight on May 19 in Las Vegas, after the American took the WBA and IBF light-welterweight titles in December in a controversial split decision.
But Golden Boy said Peterson's failed drug test - reports said he tested positive for synthetic testosterone - combined with the Nevada State Athletic Commission's inability to hold a hearing in time led to the fight's demise.
"A failed pre-fight drug test administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) coupled with the Nevada State Athletic Commission's legal inability to hold a formal hearing on the matter of licensing Lamont Peterson .... has forced the cancellation of the event," Golden Boy said in a statement.
Khan reacted strongly to the news, putting the blame squarely on Peterson's shoulders.
"The fight is off! sorry everyone the only person to blame is @kingpete26 I'll be looking for an opponent to fight June 30," he said on Twitter.
Peterson won their first bout in Washington in December by a score of 113-112 on two judges' scorecards while the other had Khan a 115-110 winner.