Lamont Peterson vigorously proclaimed his innocence in a statement the day after his fight with Amir Khan, scheduled for May 19 in Las Vegas, was canceled as a result of Peterson’s failed drug test. Peterson tested positive for synthetic testosterone.

The fighter would’ve had to state his case before the full Nevada State Athletic Commission to be licensed but there wasn’t time to get that done.

Here is Peterson’s statement:

“IBF and WBA Light Welterweight Champion Lamont Peterson’s team issued the following statement in response to the cancellation of the Peterson vs. Khan II rematch:

“Team Peterson is very disappointed and distraught by the decision to cancel the May 19^thrematch against Amir Khan. This is an extremely difficult decision to accept. We have always taken the position of providing factual information rather than responding emotionally to rumors and innuendoes. We did everything that was asked of us in efforts to comply. To support our stance we provided the Nevada State Athletic Commission with a significant amount of factual medical data in response to these allegations. Lamont did a battery of test this week and saw a number of independent board certified physicians. They all had the exact same conclusion as the doctor that initially treated and diagnosed Lamont’s medical condition. It began as a confidential medical matter between a patient and his physician; unfortunately, it has now become a public issue in efforts to clear the name and reputation of this young man.

“As a condition for this rematch Lamont demanded that Olympic style random drug testing be implemented. He has been a true advocate for making boxing drug free and fair. In his 18 year career (10 amateur and 8 professional) Lamont Peterson has never failed a drug test and has always complied with the rules beyond this isolated and explainable occurrence. We still stand behind the fact that he did nothing wrong and he was more than ready to go through with the May 19^thfight. He is a man of tremendous character and will. His work ethic is second to none and in every sense of the word he is a true Champion, in life, as well as in the ring.

“We will vigorously pursue the truth with regards to this matter and continue to fight to protect this young man’s character, credibility and all he has accomplished. Once all the facts have been reviewed we have no doubt that he will be vindicated.”