Exclusive: Bob Bennett Confirms Canelo Alvarez’s Two Failed Drug Tests, NSAC Currently Investigating

Although the World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Council (WBC) were on Canelo Alvarez‘s side when he blamed his failed drug tests on tainted meat, the Nevada State Athletic Commission said it is still looking into the matter.

Bob Bennett, executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, told Fightful details of Alvarez’s last several drug tests in early March and in February. Alvarez previously tested positive for traces of clenbuterol, but according to a press release sent by Golden Boy Promotions, the reason for Alvarez’s positive tests is due to tainted meat consumed by Alvarez. Alvarez is currently scheduled to fight Gennady Golovkin on May 5 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on HBO pay-per-view.

“Obviously, we are aware of the adverse analytical findings on Canelo’s tests on February 17 and 20. We are currently conducting an investigation [on his positive tests]. It would be premature to comment on anything at this moment, but we are investigating. He did take two tests in March and both came out negative. We’re still monitoring the situation,” Bennett told Fightful.

Bennett confirmed that the tests were conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA). In regards to the status of the fight, Bennett did not comment on whether or not the fight itself will be affected. The May 5 middleweight superfight is for Golovkin’s WBA, WBC and IBF middleweight titles and Alvarez’s Ring Magazine and lineal middleweight titles.

Clenbuterol is listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List and according to the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) official website, the substance is classified under the category of other “Anabolic Agents.” It is currently banned in the United States, but not in Mexico, where food regulations are not as strict. Multiple Mexican boxers, including Francisco Vargas and Erik Morales, have also tested positive for clenbuterol due to what they claim was from consuming contaminated meat. Neither boxer was seriously reprimanded and were allowed to continue to fight their respective boxing matches at the time.

According to Medical News Today, “clenbuterol can be used as a weight-loss aid because it can increase a person’s metabolism. As well as reducing body fat and weight, it also allows the user to retain both muscle mass and body strength at the same time.”

WBA President Gilberto Mendoza wrote on Twitter he supports Alvarez and his claims of contaminated meat being the reason he tested positive for traces of clenbuterol.

“My first reaction is that I believe in Canelo’s innocence. He has a long career in professional boxing and has always proven to be a clean athlete. It seems that the issue of Clenbuterol is already a common case in Mexico. On previous occasions, fellow organizations have had to study this cause and therefore they know more about it, but I know that the sample is at the levels expected from the consumption of meat. He already said he will submit to all the protocols that are required and, while that happens, the WBA will continue to stand with Canelo, as it has always done.”

According to the press release, Alvarez has passed all drug tests for his past 12 fights. The first fight between Alvarez and Golovkin, also at the T-Mobile Arena last September, ended in a split draw.