Lamont Peterson cleared of drug cheating by the IBF

Lamont Peterson has been cleared of taking performance enhancing drugs by the IBF.

The American light-welterweight failed two drug tests in the run up to his ill-fated rematch with Britain's Amir Khan and has already been stripped of his WBA crown.

However, the IBF have ruled that his use of a synthetic testosterone was "not for the purpose of performance enhancement" and allowed him to keep possession of their title.

A statement read: "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 Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (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 10 December 2011. Nor for his training for the bout that was schedule for 19 May 2012, as a specimen collected by Vada on 13 April 2012 tested negative on 2 May 2012."

The IBF have now said that Peterson must make a mandatory defence against former holder Zab Judah.