Lamont Peterson retains the IBF light welterweight title – Boxing News
After a strenuous period of 3 months, Lamont Peterson was finally allowed by the IBF to retain the welterweight title. Peterson, who was found guilty of having illegal substance in his body, finally convinced the commission that the increased testosterone
levels in his body were due to therapeutic medicines and not due to the usage of performance enhancing drugs.
“The testosterone levels noted in the VADA report are consistent with the therapeutic use of the hormone and not for the purpose of performance enhancement,” stated IBF’s independent physician.
Peterson, who was being called a ‘cheat’ by Bolton proud Amir Khan, was grateful to the commission for allowing him to retain the title.
“I’m thankful, and I’m thrilled with the IBF’s decision,” said Peterson, who won the WBA and IBF title by defeating Khan in December last year.
News of Peterson’s failed drug test appeared in April, just 20 days before his title rematch against Khan. Khan immediately appealed with the IBF to strip Peterson off the titles. The commission decided to listen to Peterson’s side of the story before making
a decision.
“I want to thank my manager, Barry Hunter, for all of his support throughout this ordeal. There were a lot of naysayers out there, but Barry and the rest of my team never doubted me. My team fought non-stop to ensure that I was cleared,” added Peterson,
who is now at peace after the decision.
Barry Hunter, Peterson’s manager who never believed the titlist purposely went on drugs, said, “I’ve known Lamont his whole life and always had faith in him. We were certain that when all of the details were reviewed, Lamont would be cleared and allowed
to move on with a title defense and his career.”
As of now, Lamont Peterson is excited about retaining the title. He might be fighting Zab Judah next for his first title defence, since Khan is out of the league now. If Peterson is generous enough, he might give Khan the opportunity of fighting for the
title instead of facing Zab Judah, but there is a rare chance of that happening.
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