by David P. Greisman

Lamont Peterson’s camp has issued a statement following news that the junior-welterweight beltholder’s May 19 rematch with Amir Khan could be off, news that Gabriel Montoya of MaxBoxing.com, citing sources, says is because Peterson tested positive for a banned substance.

Andre Johnson, a spokesman for Peterson, issued this statement to BoxingScene.com via telephone late Monday night:

“We have tremendous respect for VADA and its mission. Lamont, Barry and the entire team emphatically support random drug testing in the most comprehensive manner possible. We are working expeditiously with a team of pathologists and other medical specialists to confirm the origin of the test result and in full compliance with the rules of the Nevada athletic commission.

“Lamont has never had a positive test either before or after this isolated occurrence, and we plan to submit the medical findings by close of business Tuesday reflecting the actual facts in support of Lamont's good faith intentions and the requirements of the commission.”

BoxingScene.com: What led to this statement?

Johnson: “This is part of the process. Both fighters have submitted to Olympic-style drug testing.”

BoxingScene.com: Has any testing been done already?

Johnson: “There’ve been several tests. They’ve been testing for months.”

BoxingScene.com: Right now, is Peterson being accused of something, or is there a question of something because of one of those tests?

Johnson: “I won’t really get into that. The statement speaks for itself.”

BoxingScene.com: Where does the fight stand right now?

Johnson: “I have no idea.”

BoxingScene.com: Has there been any call for a hearing or anything like that?

Johnson: “Like I said, we’re trying to comply. The statement that says we’ll comply with the requirements of the commission.”

BoxingScene.com: What is Lamont being accused of testing positive of?

Johnson: “I won’t go into that. That’s really not the issue. We’re addressing it, and we’ll go from there. It’s obvious, if you go back to the statement, you realize that we don’t know. And we have medical people looking into this. We’re not medical people.”

BoxingScene.com: Is this an accusation of him testing positive for a substance, or is this some other medical issue that’s come up?

Johnson: “Like I said, I’m not a medical person, so once the findings are conclusive, then we’ll know more.”

BoxingScene.com: When do you anticipate knowing more?

Johnson: “By the close of business Tuesday.”

BoxingScene.com: Is Lamont still training?

Johnson: “He’s still in training camp.”

BoxingScene.com: Anything else people should know?

Johnson: “We’re going to do everything we need to do to get to the bottom of this and get some clarity.”

David P. Greisman is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Follow David on Twitter at twitter.com/fightingwords2 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fightingwordsboxing, or send questions and comments to fightingwords1@gmail.com