Nevada boxing commission suspends Canelo Alvarez over failed drug tests
The Nevada State Athletic Commission issued a temporary suspension to Mexican boxing star Canelo Alvarez in March 2018 following two positive tests for the banned substance clenbuterol, throwing his highly anticipated rematch with Gennady Golovkin into jeopardy.
Failed tests derail mega-fight
Alvarez tested positive for trace amounts of clenbuterol in urine samples collected on February 17 and 20, 2018, while training in his hometown of Guadalajara, Mexico. The positive tests came as part of voluntary anti-doping testing ahead of his scheduled May 5 rematch with unified middleweight champion Golovkin at T-Mobile Arena.
The 27-year-old boxer and his team attributed the positive results to contaminated meat consumed in Mexico, where clenbuterol is sometimes illegally used in cattle feed to reduce fat and increase lean muscle mass. This issue has affected numerous Mexican athletes across various sports, including members of the national soccer team.
Commission takes action
Following the positive tests, Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Bob Bennett launched an investigation into the matter. The commission initially issued a temporary suspension on March 23, with Alvarez required to appear at a hearing on April 10 to determine whether the rematch could proceed as scheduled.
The timing proved particularly problematic, coming less than a month before one of boxing’s most anticipated rematches. Alvarez and Golovkin had fought to a controversial draw in September 2017, with many observers believing Golovkin deserved the victory.
Resolution and aftermath
On April 18, the Nevada commission voted unanimously to extend Alvarez’s suspension to six months, retroactive to February 17. The reduced penalty reflected Alvarez’s cooperation with the investigation and Nevada regulations that allow suspensions to be cut in half for cooperative athletes.
The suspension forced the cancellation of the May 5 rematch, with Golovkin instead facing late replacement Vanes Martirosyan. Alvarez’s suspension was set to expire on August 17, potentially allowing for a rescheduled bout during Mexican Independence Day weekend in September.
The incident marked one of the highest-profile doping cases in boxing history, highlighting ongoing challenges with contaminated meat in Mexico and the sport’s efforts to maintain clean competition. Despite maintaining his innocence throughout, Alvarez faced significant scrutiny from both fans and his rival Golovkin, who questioned the legitimacy of the contaminated meat defense.
Image Sources: https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/boxing-nevada-state-suspends-alvarez-second-positive-test-043818321–box.html
Category: State News, Sports
Subcategory: Sports News & Updates
Date: 09/1/2025
