Dominican Lightweight contender Michel Rivera, who recently suffered his first career loss to Frank Martin, now has netted another loss, this time outside the ring. According to reports, Rivera has tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene, both of which are banned substances according to the World Anti-Doping Agency.
As a result, Michel Rivera (24-1, 14 KO’s) has been suspended temporarily by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) following his bout with Frank Martin (17-0, 12 KO’s) which was held at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in Nevada on December 17th. NSAC will investigate the matter fully throughout Rivera’s suspension, and if found guilty, a longer ban will likely ensue.
Given his loss to Martin in a showcase fight for both prospects to move into contending position at 135 lbs was already a setback, the self-dubbed “La Zarza Ali”, will be further sidetracked in his career if he is found to be guilty of the use of steroids. This news further signals a change is needed in boxing as Rivera is the third notable boxer in the past half year to have been tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. He joins the likes of Conor Benn (21-0, 14 KO’s) and Zolani Tete (30-4, 23 KO’s) who have both reportedly been tested positive for banned substances.
As stated in NSAC’s legislature for unarmed combat sports, Rivera can face a suspension of up to nine months, and can be fined a portion of his earnings, if he is found guilty. Whether he knowingly or unknowingly ingested the substances, Rivera will be held fully liable if NSAC’s investigation concludes him to be guilty. His only chance hinges on the “A” and “B” samples of both substances of which the “A” sample is regarded as the main specimen used to detect any banned substance, and the “B” sample used to either confirm or invalidate that a banned substance was in the “A” sample.
Rivera’s opponent, Frank Martin, has purportedly cleanly passed all his drug tests, and – if Rivera is found to be guilty of the use of steroids – will be given the extra plaudits for beating a PED-user in the dominant manner he had. He will now look to find his next biggest fight in a division that harbors one of the most talented and skilled boxers out of every other weight class.
