The Mexican is gearing up to challenge Gennady Golovkin for his clutch of world middleweight title belts for the second time on May 5th but tested positive for Clenbuterol prior to entering full camp last week.
In reaction, the WBA and WBC both backed Canelo wholeheartedly as a clean fighter, whilst WBN then asked the IBO and IBF their own opinions on the matter as the final two bodies representing the champion.
As WBN were exclusively informed last week, the Nevada State Athletic Commission have already begun their attempts to find out how the banned substance entered Canelo’s system.
Whilst the IBF will wait for the final NSAC decision, IBO President Ed Levine joined many fans and media around the world in questioning why the two-weight world title holder even ingested the contaminated meat blamed for the adverse test.
“Hopefully the investigation will determine whether Canelo’s ingestion of Clenbuterol has been deliberate or unintentional by eating contaminated meat,” Mr. Levine exclusively told World Boxing News.
“I hope Canelo is not guilty of an intentional doping violation, and in my mind, it’s probable that he is not. However, what is clear – at best, is that he has been careless in his eating habits.
“It’s common knowledge that consuming meat produced by Mexican farmers can lead to a positive test for Clenbuterol.
“An athlete of his stature had the ability and means to avoid taking that risk and possibly jeopardizing this highly awaited mega-fight,” he added.
Salazar gave the IBF’s view by saying: “We are awaiting the results of the investigation so that we can have all the facts before we comment or make decisions on the matter.”
Canelo is not thought to be under threat of expulsion from the contest at the moment, although his reputation has taken a battering amongst the social media networks.
Even some fellow-boxers have been derogatory about Canelo’s means of bulking up and slimming down in weight, whilst only the NASC decision will confirm the ultimate outcome.
Golden Boy fully expects exoneration for their star boxer, whilst Golovkin and his team have already gone on record to state their willingness to participate, obviously once NSAC clearance has been granted.
Golovkin is training at Big Bear and seems unfazed by what has been a sensational turn of events following weeks of delay over the final venue of Las Vegas.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay
