Canelo Alvarez Tests Positive Two Months Prior to GGG Rematch

It’s definitely not the news you ever want to hear but it has become the regular type of news we will hear every so often now. Another top fighter has failed a drug test, but this time in the boxing world. One of the top pound-4-pound current best, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has reportedly tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol, according to the LA Times.

Canelo is just two months out from his big rematch with his fellow top pound-4-pound boxer, Gennady Golovkin. The two first fought to a controversial draw back in September.

This marks the first failed drug test in the career of the twenty-seven-year-old, multi-weight champion, Canelo.

According to the LA Times’ report, Canelo tested positive due to eating some contaminated meat but has received a favorable ruling due to the contamination being within allowable levels.

Clenbuterol is very commonly used on cattle by farmers to increase their appetites which makes it a relatively easy thing to unintentionally consume.

On Monday, Canelo released this statement through Golden Boy Promotions:

“I am an athlete who respects the sport and this surprises me and bothers me because it had never happened to me. I will submit to all the tests that require me to clarify this embarrassing situation and I trust that at the end the truth will prevail.”

Canelo holds a professional boxing record of 49-1-2. His only loss belongs to the legendary, Floyd Mayweather back in 2013.

As of right now, it appears that the GGG rematch will still be taking place on May 5.

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 3/5/2018.