GOLDEN BOY CONFIRMS LAMONT CHEATERSON'S POSITIVE TEST; KHAN REMATCH STILL UNDECIDED
By Scott Shaffer

Golden Boy caught in promoter's nightmare less than two weeks in advance of major show

According to Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions, Lamont Peterson has in fact tested positive for a banned substance. Golden Boy is promoting the May 19th rematch between Peterson and Amir Khan and Schaefer was clearly frustrated that Golden Boy was kept in the dark about the problem for several weeks. Although he did not cancel the fight, Schaefer could not provide any assurances it would go forward either, as the decision to license Peterson for the Las Vegas bout is now in the hands of the Nevada Atheltic Commission. Testing of both Peterson and Khan was conducted on a surprise basis after the initial press conference by VADA, the voluntary anti-doping organization affiliated with well-known boxing physician Dr. Margaret Goodman. Schaefer said Golden Boy received a call only yesterday from the Nevada Athletic Commission's Keith Kizer informing that Peterson tested positive for a steroid or steroid-like substance.  Schaefer was not copied on the VADA letter but says the initial urine test was conducted on March 19th. The specimens were given in Los Angeles and were tested at UCLA's accredited lab. Peterson's positive result for his A sample was not obtained until April 12th, and the test on the B sample was not conducted until 18 days later according to Schaefer. Golden Boy was never informed of any problem throughout this period. The B sample yielded the same result, meaning Peterson has now officially tested positive for a banned substance. Peterson provided a second sample on April 13th, and that sample tested negative early last week. Peterson intends to submit an explanation to the Nevada Athletic Commission, who will then decide if the fight can go on as scheduled. Schaefer reports that Khan is disappointed with the news but continues to train for the fight.