Molina gave his initial reaction to World Boxing News just minutes after the story broke, stating the cause of the adverse finding and outlining his shock at the length of the ban.
The 36 year-old said: “Listen, the test was two years ago and now I want to bring some stuff to light,” Molina exclusively told World Boxing News.
“I’m banned for an anti-inflammatory that was found in my system from a B12 shot which was proven to have no PED effect on my system.
“This is my first offense of any substance. It’s an anti-inflammatory and I’m given a two-year ban?
“This makes no sense and this is what is wrong with boxing.
“This was always funny to me when I have heard of fighters all over the world that have been caught using an actual steroid (or Clenbuterol – a steroid-type) and have been suspended months for three to six months.
“I have never used a PED (performance enhancing drug) and to be given the max penalty is just flat out dumb.
“Fighters that have been caught two or three times with actual steroids in their system and have been given months out. As I said, this is exactly what is wrong with boxing.”
In a video statement, the ‘Drummer Boy’ went further by naming the banned substance as Tribedoce DX, which contains Dexamethasone, which was cited by UKAD for their punishment.
Explaining that he’d already divulged he took the anti-inflammatory (Tribedoce DX) on the day of the fight, it’s hard to fathom why it’s taken UKAD seventeen months to pass sentence.
Two years seems harsh for Molina when all cards were laid on the table and he was allowed to fight Joshua and two more opponents since, with an appeal set to follow in the coming days and weeks.
Questions need to be asked about UKAD’s timing and delay on a conclusion, as if Molina was a dirty fighter (which he’s not), any other opponents sharing the ring are at risk.
In another exclusive development, representative Adrian Clark, a knowledgeable boxing advisor and manager, elaborated further on the conversations between the Molina camp and UKAD leading up to the Joshua fight.
“There were numerous conversations I had with UKAD and their lawyers as I was involved this entire case,” Clark explained to World Boxing News.
“It’s a very harsh punishment, to say the least, but their minds were already made up before the final ruling.
“Was there a violation according to UKAD guidelines, yes? Did Eric openly admit to unknowingly violating there guidelines? Absolutely!
“Eric even went as far as providing proof of the supplements he took before the fight.
“What this boils down to is UKAD looking to make an example and show that they are cracking down on fighters that look to gain a competitive, unfair advantage in a fight.
“The problem is, Eric Molina did not take a PED. I do not agree with the ruling, whatsoever,” he added.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay
