Eric Molina receives a two-year ban from UKAD for failing a drugs test after defeat to Anthony Joshua
Tuesday 22 May 2018 18:11, UK
Eric Molina has received a two-year ban from UK Anti-Doping after testing positive for a prohibited substance following his stoppage defeat to Anthony Joshua.
The 36-year-old Texan challenged Joshua for the IBF heavyweight title in December 2016, suffering a third-round loss, and has since tested positive for dexamethasone.
Molina, who has also fought Deontay Wilder for the WBC title, was due to face Mariusz Wach in Poland on Friday.
A UKAD statement read: "American boxer Eric Molina has been suspended from all sport for a period of two years following an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV).
"Mr Molina tested positive for the presence of the prohibited substance dexamethasone, following an In-Competition test on 11 December 2016, after his fight against Anthony Joshua.
"Mr Molina was charged with an ADRV pursuant to Article 2.1 of the Anti-Doping Rules - "Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athlete's Sample"."
UKAD Chief Executive Nicole Sapstead said: "Every athlete is solely responsible for what is in their system and must adhere to the strict liability principle.
"All athletes at any level should familiarise themselves with the WADA Prohibited List and ensure they do not put themselves in a position where they may breach anti-doping regulations."
The period of ineligibility shall apply from the date of the provisional suspension (28 October 2017) until midnight on 27 October 2019.
