Former WBO cruiserweight champion Enzo Maccarinelli has been banned for six months after it was confirmed he had failed a drugs test.
Former world champion fails drugs test
Former WBO cruiserweight champion Enzo Maccarinelli has been banned for six months after it was confirmed he had failed a drugs test.
UK Anti-Doping said the Welsh boxer had been suspended after testing positive for Methylhexaneamine (MHA) after he won the British title in March.
Maccarinelli's is the latest to fall foul of drug-testing procedures after British heavyweights Larry Olubamiwo and Ali Adams failed tests recently.
It is another setback in the career of the 31-year-old, who was on the comeback trail after being knocked out badly by Alexander Frankel in 2010.
Maccarinelli decided to box on, attempting to return as a light-heavyweight, but shelved those plans when the chance to fight for the British cruiserweight title came up.
Controversial
His victory over Shane McPhilbin caused much controversy, with Maccarinelli sent to the canvas in the first round before the bell was sounded some 47 seconds early.
The former world champion was then down again in the third but recovered to have his opponent on the deck later in the fight before going on to clinch a points victory.
However, such were the circumstances surrounding the opening round that a rematch was ordered, only for Maccarinelli to withdraw without explanation.
MHA is a product which is claimed to promote mental and physical performance and aid weight loss, and can be found in several nutritional supplements.
With the Olympic Games fast approaching, UK Anti-Doping chief executive Andy Parkinson said Maccarinelli's violation was a reminder of the country's tough stance on doping.
"This is a timely reminder that, no matter what your sport, under the principle of strict liability athletes must exercise extreme caution over what they put into their body," he said.
"With this in mind, Olympic athletes should be aware that they are now in-competition from 16 July until 12 August and could be tested at anytime, anywhere."
"MHA is available in a range of supplement products, is banned in-competition, and can often be listed under a number of different names."
Naivety
Maccarinelli later released a statement, saying he was unaware the substance was contained in the supplements he was taking.
"I wish to state that this substance was in no way used to gain any advantage in the ring or enhance my performance and whilst I appreciate that it may look that way, I would certainly never cheat or cut corners in my preparation," he said.
"I have been tested over 20 times in my career and have never failed any random or post fight doping test, but on this occasion, due to my naivety, I have tested positive for a banned substance.
"I am very conscious of my reputation within the sport of boxing and even prior to the decision, that has been released today, I promised to fully accept any punishment that was given as a result of this positive test.
"I would like to thank UKAD for their understanding and support in this matter and their punishment which I hope reflects the honesty in which I approached this situation."
