ESPN reports Canelo Alvarez has been temporarily suspended by the Nevada Athletic Commission after testing positive for the banned substance clenbuterol. A hearing on April 10th will determine the fate of the rematch between Canelo and Gennady Golovkin.
Alvarez tested positive for clenbuterol in random urine tests conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association in Mexico on February 17th and February 20th. Per commission regulations, the suspension was issued. Alvarez claims that the positive tests were from eating contaminated beef due to a substance included in cattle feed because it helps reduce fat and increase lean muscle mass. The substance is banned in the United States.
After the positive tests, the commission has required that Canelo take more tests as well as submit to questioning at the April 10th hearing.
The rematch with GGG set for May 5th is in jeopardy based on the commission findings next month.
Payout Perspective:
Cynically, we all feel that the commission will not step in the way of a fight that drew 1.3 million PPV buys and a gate of over $27 million. If the commission granted Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor to change the size of their boxing gloves a couple weeks prior to the fight, I think your hotel reservations for Cinco de Mayo weekend are safe. While the two positive tests may be of concern, I would think that Canelo and his camp will be able to devise a good explanation (backed by some evidence) regarding the positive tests.
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