Boxing: IBF allows Peterson to keep title

WASHINGTON: The International Boxing Federation ruled Friday that boxer Lamont Peterson will be allowed to keep the junior welterweight title he won against Amir Khan in December.

Peterson, who tested positive for a banned synthetic testosterone, also captured the WBA title in a controversial split decision but was later stripped of the title in July by the WBA, which reinstated Khan as champion.

The IBF said it made the ruling based on findings by an independent doctor it hired. The doctor said the level of testosterone in Peterson's body was consistent with therapeutic use.

Peterson's camp had maintained that the testosterone was organic and that it was used for medicinal purposes and not as a performance-enhancing drug.

"I'm thankful, and I'm thrilled with the IBF's decision," Peterson said. "My team fought non-stop to ensure that I was cleared." Peterson (30-1-1, 15 KOs) was also ordered to make a mandatory title defense against Zab Judah.