Peterson-Khan II is officially cancelled

The Lamont Peterson-Amir Khan rematch, which was to take place on May 19 in Las Vegas, has been cancelled due to the legal implications of Peterson's failed pre-fight drug test, lead promoter Golden Boy Promotions announced Wednesday evening.

Khan Tweeted that he would be seeking another opponent for a fight on June 30.

Peterson, who won the IBF and WBA 140-pound titles by narrowly outpointing Khan in their first fight last December, was found to have elevated levels of testosterone, according to a test administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) in March.

Peterson, through his attorney and spokesperson, subsequently admitted to having undergone a medical testosterone treament last November. He did not inform VADA of this procedure prior to contractually agreeing to the organization's pre-fight testing. In failing the drug test, which came to light in recent days, the Nevada State Athletic Commission was unable to license Peterson to fight in its jurisdiction, thus killing the fight.

"A failed pre-fight drug test administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), coupled with the Nevada State Athletic Commission's (NSAC) legal inability to hold a formal hearing on the matter of licensing Lamont Peterson for his Saturday, May 19 rematch against Amir Khan until Tuesday, May 15, has forced the cancellation of the event," stated the press release distributed by Golden Boy Promotions, which represents Khan.

"Ticket refunds for "Peterson vs. Khan II" will be available at your point of purchase. Ticketmaster may be reached at (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com. Event ticket refunds for fans traveling from the United Kingdom are available at www.sportscorporation.comor by calling +44 (0)845 163 0845."