Peterson to keep IBF belt

Dan Rafael of espn.com reports that Lamont Peterson will be able to keep his IBF Jr. Welterweight belt after a failed test for elevated Testosterone.

“I’m thankful and I’m thrilled with the IBF’s decision,” Peterson said in a statement. “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.”

“After concluding the review of all the documentation provided by Peterson’s camp and the Nevada State Athletic Commission, the physician determined that 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.

“Therefore, these levels would not have enhanced Lamont Peterson’s training for or performance during the bout on Dec. 10, 2011, nor for his training for the bout that was scheduled for May 19, 2012, as a specimen collected by VADA on April 13, 2012 tested negative on May 2, 2012.”

“I’ve known Lamont his whole life and always had faith in him,” said Peterson’s manager/trainer/ father figure Barry Hunter. “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. We never stopped training. Lamont looks great and we’re looking forward to a great fight once we work out the details with Judah and his team.”